Internalization of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids by resting and activated bone marrow-derived mast cells utilizes energy-dependent mechanisms.

ABSTRACT:

Objective and design

Drug delivery to inflammatory cells is dependent upon poorly understood, complex endocytic processes. Berberine (BBR), a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, binds to heparin and targets glycosaminoglycan-rich granules in mast cells (MC), but the mechanism of BBR internalization is unknown.

Methods

BMMC were treated with various concentrations of BBR for different amounts of time and BBR internalization was assessed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. BMMC were pretreated with endocytic inhibitors or a growth factor (IL-3) prior to BBR exposure to access mechanisms of its internalization.

Results

After 24 h, 48 ± 0.8% of BMMC internalized BBR and this process was dependent upon temperature and the presence of glucose in the medium. Methanol fix

SUBMITTER: Alam SB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8897387 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature