In vivo down-regulation of mouse brain capillary P-glycoprotein: a preliminary investigation

Neurosci Lett. 2009 Oct 16;464(1):47-51. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.08.014. Epub 2009 Aug 11.

Abstract

Over-expression of blood-brain barrier P-glycoprotein is considered as a major hurdle in the treatment of various CNS disorders. A down-regulation strategy is considered as one means to counteract disease- or therapy-associated induction of P-glycoprotein. Here, we evaluated whether a targeting of P-glycoprotein can be achieved in mouse brain capillary endothelial cells using siRNA. A 4-day treatment paradigm with once daily hydrodynamic intravenous injections of siRNA resulted in a significant reduction of the P-glycoprotein-labeled area in the hippocampal hilus and parietal cortex. P-glycoprotein expression proved to be down-regulated in these brain regions by 31 and 16%, respectively. An impact of siRNA administration on density of brain capillaries was excluded by quantification of the endothelial cell marker GLUT-1. In conclusion, the study provides first preliminary evidence that a down-regulation of P-glycoprotein can be achieved in brain capillary endothelial cells by administration of siRNA in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / biosynthesis*
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / genetics
  • Animals
  • Brain / blood supply*
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Capillaries / metabolism*
  • Down-Regulation
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Glucose Transporter Type 1 / metabolism
  • Hippocampus / blood supply
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Parietal Lobe / blood supply
  • Parietal Lobe / metabolism
  • RNA, Small Interfering / administration & dosage
  • RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacology

Substances

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1
  • Glucose Transporter Type 1
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Slc2a1 protein, mouse