Methods: The experiments of LF uptake by BeWo cells were performed after preincubation and in the presence of the P-glycoprotein inhibitors (Cyclosporin A, Verapamil and Quercetin), the organic anion/cation transporter inhibitor (Cimetidine) and the MCT substrates (lactic acid and salicylic acid).

Results: P-glycoprotein inhibitors increased the uptake of LF by BeWo cells. The increase in LF accumulation by Cyclosporin A, Verapamil and Quercetin was by 30, 90 and 80%, respectively. Cimetidine, the organic cation inhibitor, increased the transport of LF by 48%. Lactic acid and salicylic acid, the MCT substrates, initially decreased the accumulation of LF by 30% and subsequently increased the uptake of LF by 500 and 53%, respectively.

Conclusions: The uptake of LF by human trophoblast cells is mediated by multiple transporters as well as passive diffusion.

Authors:

Polachek H, Holcberg G, Polachek J, Rubin M, Feinshtein V, Sheiner E, Ben-Zvi Z.
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva, Israel
Placental transfer of Levofloxacin (LF), a broad spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic, and its inhibition was investigated in BeWo cells, a human trophoblast cell line.