Daily rhythms of P-glycoprotein expression in mice

Chronobiol Int. 2005;22(4):655-65. doi: 10.1080/07420520500180231.

Abstract

Recent studies have shown the gene expression of several transporters to be circadian rhythmic. However, it remains to be elucidated whether the expression of P-glycoprotein, which is involved in the transport of many medications, undergoes 24 h rhythmicity. To address this issue, we investigated daily profiles of P-glycoprotein mRNA and protein levels in peripheral mouse tissues. In the liver and intestine, but not in the kidney, Abcb1a mRNA expression showed clear 24 h rhythmicity. On the other hand, Abcb1b and Abcb4, the other P-glycoprotein genes, did not exhibit significant rhythmic expression in the studied tissues. In the intestine, levels of whole P-glycoprotein also exhibited a daily rhythm, with a peak occurring in the latter half of the light phase and a trough at the onset of the light phase. Consistent with the day-night change of P-glycoprotein level, the ex vivo accumulation of digoxin, an Abcb1a P-glycoprotein substrate, into the intestinal segments at the onset of dark phase was significantly lower than it was at the onset of the light phase. Thus, Abcb1a P-glycoprotein expression, and apparently its function, are 24 h rhythmic at least in mouse intestine tissue. This circadian variation might be involved in various chronopharmacological phenomena.

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B / biosynthesis*
  • Animals
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Digoxin / pharmacokinetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology*
  • Jejunum / metabolism
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Digoxin