Identification and Functional Characterization of a GSH Conjugate Efflux Pathway in the Rat Lens.

PURPOSE: To identify and functionally characterize transporters involved in the release of glutathione (GSH) conjugates from the rat lens.

METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to screen for the presence of multidrug resistance-associated protein (Mrp) and organic anion transporting polypeptide (Oatp) isoforms, and immunohistochemistry used to localize Mrp isoforms. To test for Mrp function, lenses were loaded with 5-chloromethylfluorescein diacetate and monochlorobimane to form the fluorescent GSH conjugates glutathione methylfluorescein (GS-MF) and glutathione bimane (GS-B), respectively, and cultured in artificial aqueous humour (AAH) in the presence or absence of MK571, an Mrp-specific inhibitor, or benzbromarone, a nonspecific organic anion transporter inhibitor. Glutathione-MF and GS-B fluorescence were measured in the AAH media and lenses.

RESULTS: Multidrug resistance-associated proteins 1, 4, 5, and Oatp1a4 were present at the transcript level, but only Mrp1, 4, and 5 were detected at the protein level. Multidrug resistance-associated proteins 1 and 5 localized to the epithelium and peripheral fiber cells, whereas Mrp4 strongly labeled the nuclei. Glutathione-MF and GS-B efflux was significantly decreased and accumulation in the lens significantly increased in the presence of MK571, indicating that the Mrps are the predominant transporters involved in GSH conjugate release from the lens. Glutathione-B conjugate efflux was further inhibited in the presence of benzbromarone, suggesting that alternative organic anion pathways were involved in mediating GS-B efflux.

CONCLUSIONS: Multidrug resistance-associated proteins are present in the lens and may be used to remove endogenous and exogenous compounds from the lens via GSH conjugation. This may represent an important pathway of detoxification required to minimize oxidative stress and maintain lens homeostasis.