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Analysis of absorption enhancers in epithelial cell models
Author(s) -
Rosenthal Rita,
Heydt Miriam S.,
Amasheh Maren,
Stein Christoph,
Fromm Michael,
Amasheh Salah
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06562.x
Subject(s) - enhancer , absorption (acoustics) , chemistry , cell , computational biology , microbiology and biotechnology , biophysics , biology , physics , biochemistry , optics , transcription factor , gene
A variety of chemical compounds are currently being discussed as novel drug delivery strategies. One promising strategy is to selectively open the paracellular pathway of epithelia for the passage of macromolecules. A prerequisite for this effect is a rapid and reversible action of these compounds, to allow a marked translocation of a drug, but also to avoid unwanted adverse effects, such as the translocation of noxious agents. Bioactive molecules that elevate paracellular permeability include Ca 2+ chelators, bacterial toxins, and other compounds, some of which perturb the structural basis of epithelial barrier function—the tight junction. Within the tight junction, organ‐ and tissue‐specific barrier properties are determined mainly by claudins. The majority of members of the claudin protein family seal the paracellular pathway. This paper focuses on recent approaches concerning absorption‐enhancing effects, with regard to selectivity and mechanism.