The mechanism of the verapamil-digoxin interaction in renal tubular cells (LLC-PK1)

Life Sci. 1993;53(24):PL399-403. doi: 10.1016/0024-3205(93)90495-o.

Abstract

Verapamil, usually given as a racemic mixture, decreases in vivo and in vitro digoxin renal tubular secretion, which is suggested to be mediated by P-glycoprotein, an ATP-dependent multidrug efflux pump. Importantly, the two enantiomers of verapamil have been reported to similarly inhibit P-glycoprotein-mediated transport of chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, we examined effects of enantiomers of verapamil on digoxin transport across an LLC-PK1 cell monolayer, a model of proximal renal tubular cells. The results indicate that verapamil inhibition of digoxin transport is non-stereospecific. Furthermore, the verapamil-digoxin interaction is not competitive. The two drugs may not share a common initial step in the P-glycoprotein-mediated transport.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Digoxin / pharmacokinetics*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Kidney Tubules / cytology
  • Kidney Tubules / drug effects*
  • Kidney Tubules / metabolism
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Swine
  • Verapamil / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Digoxin
  • Verapamil