Characterization of H+-ATPase-dependent activity of multidrug resistance-associated protein in homoharringtonine-resistant human leukemic K562 cells.

Multidrug resistance (MDR), caused by overexpression of either P-glycoprotein or the multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP), is characterized by a decreased cellular drug accumulation due to an enhanced drug efflux. Many studies on cells overexpressing MRP and/or Pgp, have shown a concentration of the drug inside cytoplasmic acidic vesicles followed by an exocytotic process. In this study, we examined the effects of 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole or NBD (a H+-ATPase pump inhibitor), buthionine sulphoximine or BSO (an inhibitor of glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis) and verapamil or VPL (a calcium channel blocker) on the subcellular distribution of daunorubicin or DNR in K562 cells overexpressing MRP (K-H30) and Pgp (K-H300) and A549 cells overexpressing spontaneously MRP. Nucleo-cytoplasmic distribution of DNR was carried out using scanning confocal microspectrofluorometry. This technique allows determination of nuclear accumulation of anthracyclines. Our results show that nuclear accumulation of DNR in K-H30 and A549 cells was increased by NBD, BSO and VPL while in K-H300 cells, only VPL was able to increase nuclear accumulation of DNR. Similarly, NBD, BSO and VPL could reverse DNR resistance in K-H30 cells whereas, in K-H300 cells, only VPL increased the sensitivity of these cells. These data suggest a requirement for GSH in MRP-mediated resistance and suggest that even if vesicular sequestration can happen in cells overexpressing MRP and Pgp proteins, probably only the MRP protein is able to extrude the drug through intracellular vesicles and efflux. Finally, NBD and BSO might be a useful agents in facilitating discrimination between Pgp and MRP phenotypes and prognosis in patients.