2005 Volume 28 Issue 10 Pages 1979-1982
We examined the ability of partially synthesized new compounds from fangchinoline and tetrandrine to reverse P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-dependent multidrug resistance (MDR) in vitro and in vivo. All compound enhanced the in vitro cyctotoxic effect of vinblastin (VBL) at 0.1 μM as potent as 10 μM verapamil against the resistant cell line P388/ADR. The combination effect tended to be strong by substitution of bulky group, resulting 5,14-dibromotetrandrine (compound #9) showed the strongest effect. Compound #9 increased intracellular VBL accumulation in P388/ADR cells, much stronger than verapamil, as well as cytotoxic combined effect. This mechanism seems to inhibit the function of P-gp, but not the expression of P-gp. In combination with VBL, this compound also synergistically prolonged the life-span of P388/ADR-bearing mice. Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids and their derivatives are possible to be good candidates as modifier of MDR in cancer chemotherapy.
