Abstract

Pluronic block copolymer P85 was shown to inhibit the P-glycoprotein (Pgp) drug efflux system and to increase the permeability of a broad spectrum of drugs in the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, there is an entire series of Pluronics varying in lengths of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide and overall lipophilicity. This study identifies those structural characteristics of Pluronics required for maximal impact on drug efflux transporter activity in bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells (BBMECs). Using a wide range of block copolymers, differing in hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), this study shows that lipophilic Pluronics with intermediate length of propylene oxide block (from 30 to 60 units) and HLB <20 are the most effective at inhibiting Pgp efflux in BBMECs. The methods used included 1) cellular accumulation studies with the Pgp substrate rhodamine 123 in BBMECs to assess Pgp activity; 2) luciferin/luciferase ATP assay to evaluate changes in cellular ATP; 3) 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene membrane microviscosity studies to determine alterations in membrane fluidity; and 4) Pgp ATPase assays using human Pgp-expressing membranes. Pluronics with intermediate lipophilic properties showed the strongest fluidization effect on the cell membranes along with the most efficient reduction of intracellular ATP synthesis in BBMEC monolayers. The relationship between the structure of Pluronic block copolymers and their biological response-modifying effects in BBMECs are useful for determining formulations with maximal efficacy for increasing BBB permeability.