Interaction of digoxin with antihypertensive drugs via MDR1

Life Sci. 2002 Feb 15;70(13):1491-500. doi: 10.1016/s0024-3205(01)01494-1.

Abstract

The multidrug transporter MDR1 (P-glycoprotein)-mediated interaction between digoxin and 29 antihypertensive drugs of various types was examined by using the MDR1 overexpressing LLC-GA5-COL150 cells, which were established by transfecting MDR1 cDNA into porcine kidney epithelial LLC-PK1 cells. These cells construct monolayers with tight junctions, and enable the evaluation of transcellular transport. The MDR1 was highly expressed on the apical membrane (urine side). The basal-to-apical and apical-to-basal transcellular transport of [3H]digoxin in LLC-GA5-COL150 cells was time- and temperature-dependent. The basal-to-apical transport of [3H]digoxin was markedly increased, whereas the apical-to-basal transport was decreased in LLC-GA5-COL150 cells, compared with the host LLC-PK1 cells, suggesting that [3H]digoxin was a substrate for MDR1. Most of the Ca2+ channel blockers used here markedly inhibited basal-to-apical transport and increased apical-to-basal transport. Exceptions were diltiazem, nifedipine and nitrendipine, which hardly showed inhibitory effects on transcellular transport of [3H]digoxin. Alpha-blocker doxazosin and beta-blocker carvedilol also inhibited transcellular transport of [3H]digoxin, but none of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and AT1 angiotensin II receptor antagonists used here were active. These observations will promote understanding of the digoxin-drug interactions resulting from their actions on MDR1, and which may aid in avoiding these unexpected effects of digoxin.

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Antihypertensive Agents / metabolism
  • Biological Transport / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Digoxin / metabolism*
  • Drug Interactions / physiology
  • Humans
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Digoxin