Emerging role for drug transporters at the blood-testis barrier
Document Type
Article (peer-reviewed)
Publication Date
2011
Abstract
Drug transporters are integral membrane proteins that transport a broad range of substrates into and out of cells, usually against a concentration gradient. Studies have shown that efflux pumps such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) localize at the blood-testis barrier (BTB), where they protect the testis from drugs and xenobiotics that are detrimental to spermatogenesis. At the same time, efflux pumps might also preclude entry of non-hormonal contraceptives to the testis. In more recent studies, P-gp function was correlated with BTB integrity. In this review, we discuss findings that have made a significant impact on our understanding of efflux pumps in the testis. Modulation of efflux pump function via specific inhibitors could help to deliver contraceptives to the testis in the future.
Recommended Citation
Mruk, Dolores D., Linlin Su, and C. Yan Cheng. 2011. "Emerging role for drug transporters at the blood-testis barrier," Trends in Pharmacological Science 32(2): 99–106.
DOI
10.1016/j.tips.2010.11.007
Language
English
Project
The Biology of Blood–Testis Barrier Dynamics