Editorial

Drug transporters in spermatogenesis: A re-evaluation of recent data on P-glycoprotein

Volume 2, Issue 2   April/May/June 2012
Pages 70 - 72
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/spmg.20507
Keywords: P-glycoprotein, Sertoli cell, drug transporter, germ cell, testis
Authors: Dolores D. Mruk and C. Yan Cheng

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Abstract:
Drug transporters are integral membrane proteins expressed by a variety of organs, including the liver, kidney, small intestine and testis, and they are generally known to mediate drug or xenobiotic transport into and out of cells. Previous studies have also reported the presence of several drug transporters at blood-tissue barriers where they are thought to protect organs from harmful agents. In this editorial, we briefly discuss and re-evaluate recent findings that show P-glycoprotein, an efflux pump, to function at the blood-testis barrier. We also put forth a mechanistic model, hoping this information will form a strong basis for future studies.

Received: April 20, 2012; Accepted: April 25, 2012

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