Molecular expression and functional evidence of a drug efflux pump (BCRP) in human corneal epithelial cells.

Purpose: Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP) belongs to the family of efflux transporters involved in drug efflux leading to drug resistance. The objective of this study was to explore physical barriers for ocular drug absorption and to verify the presence and possible role of BCRP as a barrier for ocular drug resistance.

Methods: Transfected human corneal epithelial cells (SV40-HCEC) were selected as an in vitro model for corneal epithelium with MDCKII-BCRP as positive control.