Permeability enhancing effects of the alkylglycoside, octylglucoside, on insulin permeation across epithelial membrane in vitro.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the permeability enhancing effects of octylglucoside (OG) for molecules with poor absorption such as insulin by in vitro cell models.

METHODS

Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was monitored to ensure monolayer integrity. Permeability was ascertained using paracellular markers. Markers and insulin were dissolved in Hanks balanced salt solution and placed on the apical side of the cells in Transwell(c) plates and allowed to diffuse under sink conditions.

RESULTS

The effect of OG on the permeability of molecules across both monolayers was concentration and time dependent. Enhanced transport of the three molecules was observed across both monolayers treated with OG as compared to untreated monolayers. The effects of OG were reversible at low concentrations but there was permanent damage to cells at higher concentrations. Absorption enhancement was greater across T-84 monolayers compared to Caco-2 monolayers.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate OG has potential as a permeability enhancer for poorly absorbed drugs with no significant damage to monolayers at low concentrations. Immediate attenuation in TEER upon exposure to OG indicates that permeability enhancing effects were likely to be associated with modulation of tight junctions suggesting the involvement of paracellular transport.