Expression and function of P-glycoprotein in human mesangial cells.

P-glycoprotein (PGP), responsible for multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells, is normally expressed in kidney proximal tubules and mesangium. PGP expression and function were studied in human mesangial cell cultures. MDR1 gene expression was demonstrated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. PGP expression was determined using MRK16 monoclonal antibody and its function was assessed by the efflux of rhodamine-123 (R123). R123 efflux had a half time of 25 +/- 5 s. Efflux was inhibited by cyclosporin A (10 microM), verapamil (10 microM), and vinblastine (100 microM) with half times of 380, 535, and 312 s, respectively. Incubation with MDR1-antisense oligonucleotide decreased R123 efflux (half time = 304 s). Verapamil, cyclosporin A, and PSC-833 augmented the cytotoxicity of Adriamycin by reducing the 50% maximal growth-inhibitory dose from 730 nM to 130, 110, and 90 nM, respectively. We conclude that human mesangial cells express MDR1 and demonstrate xenobiotic transport inhibitable by several known PGP substrates. Concomitant exposure of mesangial cells to PGP-transported drugs causes intracellular accumulation of toxic PGP substrates and ultimately damages the mesangial cells.