The effect of increased lipoprotein levels on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine A in the laboratory rat

Abstract

The response of cyclosporine A (CyA) blood concentrations following changes in lipoprotein levels have been inconsistent. Some studies show increases in concentrations, whereas others have shown decreases. The intent of this study was to examine the effect of two rat models of increased lipoprotein on the pharmacokinetics of CyA. One was a simulated high fat content meal, in which 1% cholesterol in peanut oil was administered. The other was the poloxamer 407-induced model of hyperlipidemia. Rats in these two groups were compared to a group fasted overnight before the study. In rats given a simulated high fat meal, at most time points the mean blood and plasma concentrations were lower, though not significantly, compared to fasted animals. Oral lipid led to no significant changes in the measured pharmacokinetic parameters of blood or plasma area under the concentration vs time curve (AUC), clearance (CL), volume of distribution (Vd) or plasma unbound fraction. In the poloxamer 407-treated hyperlipidemic rats there were significant reductions in plasma unbound fraction plasma, Vd and terminal half-life, but not AUC or CL, compared to normolipidemic rats. In contrast, the CL, Vd and t1/2 in the oral lipid-fed rats were all significantly higher than the poloxamer 407 treated animals. Oral absolute bioavailability of CyA was unchanged by oral lipid. In humans and rats the pharmacokinetics of CyA in the face of increased lipoprotein levels do not correspond well to what is typically seen for other drugs that are known to bind to lipoproteins.