SEGMENTAL RENAL GENE EXPRESSION OF DRUG TRANSPORTERS IN A RAT MODEL OF TYPE II DIABETES

Abstract

This study aims to examine changes in gene expression levels of drug transporters located on rodent renal proximal tubules in progressive stages of diabetes.

A combination of high-fat diet and single dose streptozotocin (35mg/kg) was used in the induction of diabetes in male Wistar rats. Previously reported drug transporters which were localised on rat kidneys were included in current study. Laser capture microdissection was used in the collection of rat renal proximal tubular cells and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied for the analysis of changes in drug transporters¿ gene expression levels.

Clinical diabetic nephropathy was not observed in renal functions and histological analysis. Transforming growth factor-beta was observed to be higher in renal proximal tubular cells of diabetic rats, suggesting tubular injury may occur before glomerular damage. Changes in gene expression levels of transporters during maturation and progressive diabetes were observed in several drug transporters.