Changes of P-gp expression in rats' small intestine and effects on uptake of levofloxacin after acute exposure to hypoxia

The drug transporter play a key role in the absorption of drugs. Investigation of the changes of drug transporters in response to hypoxia will provide insight into the mechanism of drug absorption. In this study we investigated the mRNA and protein expression of the transporter P-gp after acute hypoxia, and evaluated the effects of P-gp changes on absorption of levofloxacin in the intestine. The relative expression of mRNA and protein were reduced by 50.80% and 71.30% (P<0.05). In the single-pass intestinal perfusion model, the intestinal wall permeability was increased by 56.16%, 226.00%, 77.74% and 141.00% in the time intervals at 30-60 min, 60-90 min, 90-120 min and 120-150 min although P-gp expression was decreased (P<0.05). These results suggest that hypoxia may decrease the expression of P-gp in the intestine to reduce the excretion of levofloxacin and increase the absorption.