Effect of recombinant interleukin-2 pretreatment on oral and intravenous digoxin pharmacokinetics and P-glycoprotein activity in mice.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ATP-dependent efflux membrane transporter involved in many drug pharmacokinetics in humans. Decreasing its expression could enhance the bioavailability of substrates as digoxin. We have recently found that human recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL2) in vivo decreases P-gp expression in intestine and brain of mice and modifies oral digoxin pharmacokinetics.

Effect of interleukin-2 on intestinal P-glycoprotein expression and functionality in mice.

P-glycoprotein (Pgp), an active drug transporter expressed in enterocytes, can reduce intestinal absorption of drugs. Until now, interleukin-2 (IL2) has been reported as a Pgp modulator only in vitro. The present study examines the effects in vivo of IL2 after chronic treatment on intestinal Pgp protein expression and activity.