ABC drug transporter and nuclear receptor expression in human cytotrophoblasts: influence of spontaneous syncytialization and induction by glucocorticoids.

Objectives: ABC transporters in the human placenta play a major role in protecting the fetus against potential toxic drugs. The glucocorticoid dexamethasone has been shown to induce ABCB1 expression in enterocytes and hepatocytes. However, in placental cells, little data exists either for dexamethasone, betamethasone or prednisone while these three glucocorticoids may be used during pregnancy.