calcein-am and Melanoma

To test the ability of nanoparticle formulations to overcome P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated multidrug resistance, several different doxorubicin and paclitaxel-loaded lipid nanoparticles were prepared. Doxorubicin nanoparticles showed 6- to 8-fold lower IC(50) values in P-gp-overexpressing human cancer cells than those of free doxorubicin. The IC(50) value of paclitaxel nanoparticles was over 9-fold lower than that of Taxol in P-gp-overexpressing cells. A series of in vitro cell assays were used including quantitative studies on uptake and efflux, inhibition of calcein acetoxymethylester efflux, alteration of ATP levels, membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity. Enhanced uptake and prolonged retention of doxorubicin were observed with nanoparticle-based formulations in P-gp-overexpressing cells. Calcein acetoxymethylester and ATP assays confirmed that blank nanoparticles inhibited P-gp and transiently depleted ATP. I.v. injection of pegylated paclitaxel nanoparticles showed marked anticancer efficacy in nude mice bearing resistant NCI/ADR-RES tumors versus all control groups. Nanoparticles may be used to target both drug and biological mechanisms to overcome multidrug resistance via P-gp inhibition and ATP depletion.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Apoptosis; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1; Cell Line, Tumor; Doxorubicin; Drug Resistance, Multiple; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Female; Fluoresceins; Humans; Melanoma; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; Mice; Mice, Nude; Nanoparticles; Ovarian Neoplasms; Paclitaxel; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Metastatic uveal melanoma is strongly resistant to chemotherapy, and multidrug resistance (MDR) may be involved. To investigate the role of MDR, the presence of the MDR-associated proteins P-glycoprotein (Pgp), MRP, and lung resistance protein (LRP) was determined on primary choroidal melanomas and cell lines.. A panel of primary choroidal melanomas was examined for the presence of MDR-associated proteins by immunohistochemical analysis. In cell lines established from four primary choroidal melanomas and one metastatic choroidal melanoma, the expression of MDR-associated proteins was determined with monoclonal antibodies in cytospin preparations and flow cytometry. In addition, the functional capacities of transporter proteins Pgp and MRP as adenosine triphosphate-driven efflux pumps were determined by measuring the cellular accumulation and efflux of the fluorescent dyes rhodamine 123 and calcein-AM, with and without the presence of specific pump inhibitors PSC833 and probenecid.. Low levels of Pgp and MRP were detected in most primary tumors and in some cell lines. Measurable transporter function of Pgp could be determined in cell line OCM-1. Lung-resistance protein was present in all primary tumors and cell lines and showed high expression levels.. This study revealed the involvement of LRP and at least a minor role of Pgp and MRP in chemoresistance of choroidal melanoma. Compared with cutaneous melanomas, uveal melanomas appear to express slightly higher levels of Pgp. These findings provide insights into the drug-resistant phenotype of this disease and can aid in the design of therapeutic protocols.

Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antineoplastic Agents; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Choroid Neoplasms; Drug Resistance, Multiple; Flow Cytometry; Fluoresceins; Fluorescent Dyes; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Melanoma; Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins; Neoplasm Proteins; Rhodamine 123; Rhodamines; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Vault Ribonucleoprotein Particles

We have developed a video microscopy system designed for real-time measurement of single cell damage during photolysis under well defined physicochemical and photophysical conditions. Melanoma cells cultured in vitro were treated with the photosensitizer (PS), tin chlorin e6 (SnCe6) or immunoconjugate (SnCe6 conjugated to a anti-ICAM monoclonal antibody), and illuminated with a 10 mW He/Ne laser at a 630 nm wavelength. Cell membrane integrity was assessed using the vital dye calcein-AM. In experiments in which the laser power density and PS concentration were varied, it was determined that the time lag before cell rupture was inversely proportional to the estimated singlet oxygen flux to the cell surface. Microscopic examination of the lytic event indicated that photo-induced lysis was caused by a point rupture of the plasma membrane. The on-line nature of this microscopy system offers an opportunity to monitor the dynamics of the cell damage process and to gain insights into the mechanism governing photolytic cell injury processes.

Topics: Cell Line; Cell Membrane; Chlorophyllides; Fluoresceins; Humans; Kinetics; Lasers; Light; Melanoma; Microscopy, Video; Oxygen; Photochemistry; Photolysis; Photosensitizing Agents; Porphyrins; Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; Singlet Oxygen; Time Factors; Tumor Cells, Cultured