Basolateral plasma membrane organic anion transporters

The liver plays a central role in vectorial transport of solutes from the portal vein to the canaliculus and this involves transport of solutes via an array of transporters located at the basolateral and the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes. Solutes transported by hepatocytes include organic anions and cations, inorganic ions, and neutral compounds. Organic anions are primarily transported via sodium-dependent and sodium-independent transporters and include sodium-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) and several members of the organic anion transporting protein family (OATPs). The chapter discusses functions and regulations of these transporters. The functional status of NTCP can be an important determinant of liver function testing and should be taken into consideration when patients are treated with drugs known to interfere with NTCP transport activity. Inhibition of NTCP can impair disposition of bile salts resulting in higher systemic concentration of bile salts and consequent adverse effects.