The solvents cremophor EL and Tween 80 modulate daunorubicin resistance in the multidrug resistant Ehrlich ascites tumor

Abstract

Cremophor EL (polyoxyethylene castor oil) and Tween 80, used as solvents for cyclosporin A and VP-16, respectively, were found to reverse the multidrug resistant (MDR) phenotype. In daunorubicin (DNR) resistant Ehrlich ascites tumor cells (EHR2/DNR+), both solvents at percentages of 0.01% (v/v) enhanced DNR accumulation to sensitive levels. Cremophor EL and Tween 80 did not influence DNR accumulation in drug-sensitive cells (EHR2). The concentration of cyclosporin A alone that enhanced DNR accumulation in EHR2/DNR+ cells to sensitive levels was 5 micrograms/mL whereas 0.2 micrograms/mL of cyclosporin A dissolved in 0.001% (v/v) Cremophor EL enhanced DNR accumulation to sensitive levels, thus indicating synergy between Cremophor EL and cyclosporin A. Cyclosporin A had a negligible effect on DNR accumulation in the drug-sensitive cells. In clonogenic assays, the LD10 of DNR was 1 microM in EHR2/DNR+ cells. Combining 1 microM DNR with non-toxic amounts of Cremophor EL (0.001% and 0.002%, v/v) potentiated the cytotoxicity of DNR and resulted in a cell kill of 77% and 86%, respectively, in the resistant cells. In non-toxic amounts, CrEL and Tween 80 acted synergistically with reduced concentrations of verapamil, resulting in DNR accumulation approaching close to the sensitive level. Azidopine photoaffinity labeling of P-glycoprotein in plasma membrane vesicles from EHR2/DNR+ cells was inhibited 100% and 80%, by 0.003% (v/v) Cremophor EL or Tween 80, respectively. These data permit the conclusion that non-toxic amounts of CrEL and Tween 80 modulated DNR resistance by raising intracellular DNR levels, due to their abilities to bind to the plasma membrane P-glycoprotein.