Assessment of P-glycoprotein activity in the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) using Near Infrared Fluorescence (NIRF) imaging techniques.

PURPOSE

To examine functional activity of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using near infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging techniques.

METHODS

Cellular accumulation and bi-directional permeability of the NIRF probe, rhodamine 800 (R800) was determined in MDCKMDR1 and MDCKwt monolayers under normal conditions and following P-gp inhibition with GF120918. Functional P-gp activity was also assessed in mice following administration of R800 alone and with GF230918. Quantitative analysis of R800 fluorescence in brain tissue and blood was measured ex-vivo using Odyssey Near Infrared imaging.

RESULTS

R800 accumulation was reduced in MDCKMDR1 compared to MDCKwt monolayers. Addition of GF120918, resulted in increased R800 accumulation in MDCKMDR1 monolayers. Permeability of R800 in MDCKMDR1 monolayers was significantly enhanced (4-fold) in the basolateral to apical direction under control conditions and was abolished following treatment with GF120918. With the exception of the choriod plexus, there was very little penetration of R800 into the brain under control conditions. Treatment of mice with GF120918 resulted in a nearly 4-fold increase in R800 fluorescence in the brain. In contrast, GF120918 had no effect on brain penetration of a vascular permeability marker.

CONCLUSIONS

In vitro studies demonstrate the P-gp transporter properties of the NIRF probe R800. Preliminary in vivo studies confirm the P-gp transporter liabilities of R800 and suggest this probe may be useful as a molecular imaging agent for examining P-gp activity in the BBB.