Characterization of P-glycoprotein transport and inhibition in vivo.

The P-glycoprotein is an energy-dependent efflux pump capable of decreasing the intracellular concentration of a broad range of chemotherapeutic agents. [99mTc]Sestamibi, a P-glycoprotein transport substrate, is a sensitive probe of P-glycoprotein function both in vitro and in vivo. A human tumor model in nude mice was evaluated to determine whether [99mTc]Sestamibi could detect in vivo differences in P-glycoprotein expression and P-glycoprotein modulation by the reversal agent SDZ PSC 833. Differential [99mTc]Sestamibi accumulation based upon P-glycoprotein expression was demonstrated in xenografts in vivo. Dose-dependent inhibition of P-glycoprotein function was achieved with SDZ PSC 833. Administration of the reversal agent increased [99mTc]Sestamibi accumulation in the xenografts expressing P-glycoprotein. These observations show that [99mTc]Sestamibi as capable of detecting the modulation of P-glycoprotein in a solid tumor model by the reversal agent SDZ PSC 833.