Inhibition of the rat blood–brain barrier choline transporter by manganese chloride

Choline transport has been characterized by multiple mechanisms including the blood–brain barrier (BBB), and high‐ and low‐affinity systems. Each mechanism has unique locations and characteristics yet retain some similarities. Previous studies have demonstrated cationic competition by monovalent cations at the BBB and cation divalent manganese in the high‐affinity system. To evaluate the effects of divalent manganese inhibition as well as other cationic metals at the BBB choline transporter, brain choline uptake was evaluated in the presence of certain metals of interest in Fischer‐344 rats using the in situ brain perfusion technique. Brain choline uptake was inhibited in the presence of Cd2+ (73 ± 2%) and Mn2+ (44 ± 6%), whereas no inhibition was observed with Cu2+ and Al3+. Furthermore, it was found that manganese caused a reduction in brain choline uptake and significant regional choline uptake inhibition in the frontal and parietal cortex, the hippocampus and the caudate putamen (45 ± 3%, 68 ± 18%, 58 ± 9% and 46 ± 15%, respectively). These results suggest that choline uptake into the CNS can be inhibited by divalent cationic metals and monovalent cations. In addition, the choline transporter may be a means by which manganese enters the brain.