P-glycoprotein expression and function, relationship to plasma and intracellular drug concentrations, and the effects of HIV disease

Abstract

P-glycoprotein Expression and Function: Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBMCs) were isolated by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, fixed and permeabilised. P- glycoprotein (P-gp) expression was quantified by flow cytometry following staining with a P-gp specific antibody (JSBl). Vimentin and IE (nonsense antibody) were used as controls. The presence of the MDR 1 gene product was confirmed by RT-PCR. A rhodamine efflux assay was used to assess P-gp function.