Visualization and characterization
of the intestinal
membrane transporter-mediated
drug absorption and interaction are challenging due to the complex
physical and chemical environment. In this work, an integrated strategy
was developed for in situ visualization and assessment of the drug
absorption and interaction in rat intestines using quadruple single-pass
intestinal perfusion (Q-SPIP) technique coupled with matrix-assisted
laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI).
Compared with the traditional SPIP only available for perfusion of
one single intestinal segment, the Q-SPIP model can simultaneously
perfuse four individual segments of each rat intestine (duodenum,
jejunum, ileum, and colon), enabling to obtain rich data from one
rat. Subsequently, the drug distribution and absorption in rat intestinal
tissue were accurately visualized by using an optimized MALDI MSI
approach. The utility and versatility of this strategy were demonstrated
via the examination of P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated intestinal absorption
of berberine (BBR) and its combination with natural products possessing
inhibitory potency against P-gp. The change in the spatial distribution
of BBR was resolved, and MALDI results showed that the signal intensity
of BBR in defined regions was enhanced following coperfusion with
P-gp inhibitors. However, enhanced absorption of BBR after coperfusion
with the P-gp inhibitor was not observed in the ulcerative colitis
rat model, which may be due to the damage to the intestinal barrier.
This study exemplifies the availability and utility of Q-SPIP coupled
with MALDI MSI in the examination of transporter-mediated intestinal
drug absorption and interaction for fundamental inquiries into the
preclinical prediction of oral absorption and drug interaction potential.