Involvement of Organic Cation Transporter 2 and a Na+-dependent active transporter in p-tyramine transport across Caco-2 intestinal cells

Aims: We have previously demonstrated that p-tyramine (TYR), an endogenous trace amine-associated receptor 1 agonist, passage across neuronal membranes involves a transporter exhibiting the pharmacological profile of Organic Cation Transporter 2 (OCT2). Since TYR is also a constituent of foodstuffs and produced by the intestinal microbiota, here we have investigated whether similar processes are involved in the passage of 100 nM TYR across apical and basolateral membranes of the Caco-2 human intestinal epithelial cell line. Materials and methods: [H-3]TYR transport across apical and basolateral membranes of Caco-2 cell monolayers was measured in the presence of inhibitors of TYR metabolizing enzymes. Cellular, apical, and basolateral compartments were collected at various timepoints, TYR concentrations calculated, and transport properties pharmacologically characterized. Key findings: Apical transport resulted in equimolar accumulation of TYR within cells. Pentamidine (OCT1/ OCT2 inhibitor) decreased apical transport (P = 0.001) while atropine (OCT1 inhibitor) had no effect, suggesting apical transport involved OCT2. In contrast, basolateral transport resulted in 500-1000 nM cellular concentrations (P < 0.0001) indicating the presence of an active transporter. Replacement of Na+ on an equimolar basis with choline resulted in loss of TYR transport (P = 0.017). Unexpectedly, this active transport was also atropine-sensitive (P = 0.020). Kinetic analysis of the active transporter revealed V-max = 43.0 nM/s with a K-t = 33.1 nM. Significance: We have demonstrated for the first time that TYR is transported across Caco-2 apical membranes via facilitated diffusion by OCT2, whereas transport across basolateral membranes is by a Na+-dependent, atropine-sensitive, active transporter.