Multidrug resistance-associated protein 3 (MRP3; symbol ABCC3), has been shown to mediate ATP-dependent transport of organic anions including 17beta-glucuronosyl estradiol, glucuronosyl bilirubin, monovalent, and sulfated bile salts. MRP3 mRNA expression was reported in rat intestine suggesting a role of MRP3 in the intestinal transport. We examined the expression and localization of MRP3 in rat small and large intestine by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and immunoblot analysis. MRP3 was identified in all intestinal segments by RT-PCR. MRP3 expression was low in duodenum and jejunum but markedly increased in ileum and colon. With the use of a rat MRP3 specific antibody, MRP3 was localized to the basolateral domains of enterocytes. Immunofluorescence analysis and immunoblot analysis confirmed a strong expression of rat MRP3 in ileum and colon. In contrast, MRP2 was predominantly expressed in the proximal segments of rat small intestine. Our findings demonstrate a high expression of rat MRP3 in ileum and colon and provide evidence for an involvement of MRP3 in the ATP-dependent transport of organic anions, including bile salts from the enterocyte into blood.
