Abstract
Purpose. To investigate the transport mechanism of valproic acid across the human placenta, we used human placental brush-border membrane vesicles and compared them with that of lactic acid. Methods. Transport of [3H]valproic acid and [14C]lactic acid was measured by using human placental brush-border membrane vesicles. Results. The uptakes of [3H]valproic acid and [14C]lactic acid into brush-border membrane vesicles were greatly stimulated at acidic extravesicular pH. The uptakes of [3H]valproic acid and [14C]lactic acid were inhibited by various fatty acids, p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate, α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate, and FCCP. A kinetic analysis showed that it was saturable, with Michaelis constants (Kt) of 1.04 ± 0.41 mM and 1.71 ± 0.33 mM for [3H]valproic acid and [14C]lactic acid, respectively. Furthermore, lactic acid competitively inhibited [3H]valproic acid uptake and vice versa. Conclusion. These results suggest that the transport of valproic acid across the microvillous membrane of human placenta is mediated by a proton-linked transport system that also transports lactic acid. However, some inhibitors differentially inhibited the uptakes of [3H]valproic acid and [14C]lactic acid, suggesting that other transport systems may also contribute to the elevated fetal blood concentration of valproic acid in gravida.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 154-161 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Pharmaceutical research |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2002 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Human placenta
- Lactic acid
- Transport mechanism
- Valproic acid
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Organic Chemistry
- Pharmacology (medical)