Cortisol Transport by P-Glycoprotein
Author Information
Author(s): C.K. van Kalken, H.J. Broxterman, H.M. Pinedo, N. Feller, H. Dekker, J. Lankelma, G. Giaccone
Primary Institution: Free University Hospital and Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Steroids might be transported by Pgp out of adrenal cortical cells and concentrated in specific tissues.
Conclusion
Cortisol is actively transported by Pgp-expressing cells, suggesting a physiological role of Pgp in steroid hormone transport.
Supporting Evidence
- Pgp overexpression leads to reduced cortisol accumulation in cells.
- Cortisol efflux is energy-dependent in Pgp-expressing cells.
- Steroid hormones increase daunorubicin accumulation in Pgp overexpressing cells.
Takeaway
This study shows that a protein called P-glycoprotein helps move cortisol out of cells, which might be important for how our body handles this hormone.
Methodology
Cell lines were used to study the accumulation and efflux of cortisol in relation to Pgp expression.
Limitations
The study did not reliably measure progesterone accumulation, which may limit understanding of its transport.
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