The expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein isoform 2 (mrp2),
the ATP-dependent export pump that mediates the transport of glucuronic ac
id-, glutathione-, and sulfate-conjugated derivatives, was studied in rat s
mall intestine. The small intestine was divided into nine equal segments, a
nd mrp2 content was analyzed in homogenate and brush border membrane prepar
ations by Western analysis. mrp2 protein was present mainly in brush border
membrane of the proximal segments and gradually decreased from jejunum to
the distal ileum. We also analyzed the content of mrp2 in three different p
opulations of proximal enterocytes obtained from the upper and lower villus
and the crypt regions. The export pump was mainly expressed in the villus
cells and to a lesser degree in the crypt cells of the epithelium. Immunohi
stochemical analysis performed in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum confirmed in
situ the Western blot findings. Analysis of mRNA encoding mrp2 in proximal
and distal segments revealed a similar content in both regions, whereas di
stribution along the villus-crypt axis was similar to the protein gradient.
Because conjugating enzymes are distributed similarly to mrp2, we conclude
that they may act coordinately to contribute to first-pass metabolism of d
rugs and other xenobiotics in the proximal small intestine.