Dichotomous development of the organic anion transport protein in liver and choroid plexus

Both adult liver and choroid plexus express the organic anion transport protein (oatp1) and transport [S-35]bromosulfophthalein (BSP). Studies of the developing rat liver reveal that oatp1 mRNA and protein do not begin to be expressed until 15 days postnatal and are at adult levels by 30 days. Uptake of [S-35]BSP follows the same time course. In contrast, neonatal rat choroid plexus expresses oatp1 mRNA and protein. When quantified on a weight basis, the uptake of [S-35]BSP in choroid plexus is lower in the adult than at earlier stages of development. Although fluorescence confocal microscopy of adult rat choroid plexus shows that oatp is localized to the apical surface, facing the cerebrospinal fluid, this method reveals an intracellular localization of oatp1 in the neonate. Approximately 12 wk are required for the appearance of the adult pattern of distribution. Changes in the localization and activity of oatp1 during development could play an important role in the pathobiology of maturation of the liver and the central nervous system.