ISSN:
1573-904X
Keywords:
pravastatin
;
intestinal absorption
;
active transport
;
pH-dependent transport
;
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract Purpose. The purpose of the present study is to clarify the intestinal brush-border transport mechanism of a weak organic acid, pravastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Methods. The transport of pravastatin was studied by using intestinal brush-border membrane vesicles prepared from rabbit jejunum, and uptake by the membrane vesicles was measured using rapid filtration technique. Results. The initial uptake of [14C]pravastatin was markedly increased with decreases in extravesicular pH and showed a clear overshoot phenomenon in the presence of a proton gradient (pHin/out = 7.5/5.5). A protonophore, carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone, significantly reduced the uptake of [14C]pravastatin. In addition, an ionophore for sodium, potassium and proton, nigericin, stimulated the uptake of [14C]pravastatin in the presence of a potassium gradient ([K + ]in/[K+ ]out = 0/145 mM). On the other hand, neither the imposition of an inwardly directed sodium gradient nor an outwardly directed bicarbonate gradient stimulated the uptake of [14C]pravastatin. In the presence of a proton gradient (pHin/out = 7.5/5.5), the initial uptake of pravastatin was saturable with the apparent Kt of 15.2 ± 3.2 mM and Jmax of 10.6 ± 1.21 nmol/mg protein/10 sec. The uptake of pravastatin was significantly inhibited by monocarboxylic acid compounds such as acetic acid and nicotinic acid in a competitive manner but not by di- or tri-carboxylic acids, or acidic amino acid. Conclusions. It was concluded that a pH-dependent transport of pravastatin across the brush-border membrane occurs by a proton-gradient dependent carrier-mediated mechanism rather than by simple diffusion of its unionized form.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1016269806840
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