Organic anion transport pathways in antiviral handling in choroid plexus in Oat1 (Slc22a6) and Oat3 (Slc22a8) deficient tissue

► Transport of drugs by the choroid plexus (CP) is believed to be an important factor in regulating CNS drug levels. ► The organic anion transporters Oat1 (SLC22A6) and Oat3 (SLC22A8), as well as SLC22A17, are highly expressed in CP. ► Ex vivo transport of antivirals used for HIV and other diseases was studied in CP from Oat1 and Oat3 knockouts. ► Zidovudine, acyclovir, tenofovir and lamivudine were shown to interact with both Oat1 and Oat3. ► Specific inhibitors of Oat1 and Oat3 may be helpful in altering CNS drug levels by blocking Oat function in the CP.