摘要：We examined the ability of partially synthesized new compounds from fangchinoline and tetrandrine to reverse P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-dependent multidrug resistance (MDR) in vitro and in vivo . All compound enhanced the in vitro cyctotoxic effect of vinblastin (VBL) at 0.1 μ M as potent as 10 μ M verapamil against the resistant cell line P388/ADR. The combination effect tended to be strong by substitution of bulky group, resulting 5,14-dibromotetrandrine (compound #9) showed the strongest effect. Compound #9 increased intracellular VBL accumulation in P388/ADR cells, much stronger than verapamil, as well as cytotoxic combined effect. This mechanism seems to inhibit the function of P-gp, but not the expression of P-gp. In combination with VBL, this compound also synergistically prolonged the life-span of P388/ADR-bearing mice. Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids and their derivatives are possible to be good candidates as modifier of MDR in cancer chemotherapy.
