Transport of ginkgolides with different lipophilicities based on an hCMEC/D3 cell monolayer as a blood-brain barrier cell model.

AIMS: In this report, the transport of ginkgolides with different lipophilicities was investigated using an hCMEC/D3 cell monolayer as a blood-brain barrier (BBB) cell model in vitro in an attempt to explain ginkgolide transport path mediated by lipophilicity. MAIN METHODS: The log P values of ginkgolides were determined by measuring the distribution of the molecule between oil and water. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of ginkgolides on hCMEC/D3 cells was assayed with the MTT method. Ginkgolide contents were determined with an ultra performance liquid chromatograph equipped with an evaporative light scattering detector (ULPC-ELSD) method. Apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) and efflux ratios (PappBL→AP/PappAP→BL) were then calculated to describe the transport characteristics of ginkgolide. KEY FINDINGS: The transport of ginkgolide A, ginkgolide B, ginkgolide C, and ginkgolide J across the hCMEC/D3 cell monolayer was non-directional. Additionally, ginkgolide C transport on the cell monolayer was time- and concentration-dependent in the paracellular pathway controlled by cytochalasin D (a tight junction modulator). The transport of ginkgolide N, ginkgolide L, and ginkgolide K across the cell monolayer displayed clear directionality at low ginkgolide concentrations. This behavior indicated that the transport of ginkgolide N, ginkgolide L, and ginkgolide K was influenced by the transcellular pathway containing an efflux protein accompanied by the paracellular pathway for passive diffusion. Additionally, the transport of ginkgolide K was increased significantly by co-culturing with a P-gp inhibitor. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings provide important information for elucidating ginkgolide transport pathways and may be beneficial for the design of ginkgolide molecules with high neuroprotective effects.