Effect of baicalin and berberine on transport of nimodipine on primary-cultured, rat brain microvascular endothelial cells
AbstractAim:To investigate whether baicalin and berberine affects the transport of nimodipine (NMD) across the blood-brain barrier (BBB).Methods:Primary-cultured, rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMEC) were used as an in vitro model of the BBB. When cells became confluent, the steady-state uptake of NMD by rBMEC with or without baicalin and berberine was measured. The effects of baicalin and berberine on the efflux of NMD from rBMEC were also studied.Results:Baicalin (2–5 μg/mL) increased the uptake of NMD, and baicalin (10–20 μg/mL) decreased the uptake. The steady-state uptake of NMD was higher than that of control group in the presence of 0.01–1 μg/mL berberine, but was lower in the presence of 2–10 μg/mL berberine.Conclusion:The bidirectional effect of baicalin and berberine on the uptake of NMD by rBMEC was found. Higher concentration showed an inhibitory effect, and lower concentration demonstrated an increasing effect.