P-glycoprotein, FK-binding Protein-12, and the Intracellular Tacrolimus Concentration in T-lymphocytes and Monocytes of Kidney Transplant Recipients

Abstract

. T-lymphocytes have a higher activity of P-gp and lower concentration of the FKBP-12 compared with monocytes. This explains the relatively lower tacrolimus concentration in T-lymphocytes. The addition of verapamil prevents loss of intracellular tacrolimus during the cell isolation process and is required to ensure adequate intracellular concentration measurement.