Distribution of multi-drug resistance-associated P-glycoprotein in normal and neoplastic human tissues. Analysis with 3 monoclonal antibodies recognizing different epitopes of the P-glycoprotein molecule.

P-glycoprotein is a molecule strongly associated with multi-drug resistance to certain cytostatic drugs, including adriamycin, vincristine, and daunorubicin. Using 3 monoclonal antibodies directed at different epitopes of this molecule (JSB-1, MRK16, C219) we investigated the tissue distribution of P-glycoprotein in normal and malignant human tissues, employing a routine immunoperoxidase technique. P-glycoprotein was found in the gastrointestinal epithelium, epithelia of the bronchi, mammary gland, pancreatic ducts, renal tubules, prostate gland, salivary gland, sweat glands of the skin, as well as in bile canaliculi and ductules, the adrenal and in endothelium of capillaries in various organs, most notably the brain. Mostly the pattern of reactivity of the 3 antibodies was similar, but some distinctly different staining reactions were seen. Reactivity was found in a variety of human tumors, arising from tissues normally expressing P-glycoprotein. Knowledge of the distribution and function of this molecule in both normal and malignant tissues may predict resistance and thus may influence choice of therapy. The role of P-glycoprotein in normal tissues and its implications for chemotherapy is discussed.