Role of FK506 Binding Protein on Tacrolimus Distribution in Red Blood Cells

PurposeTacrolimus is distributed mainly in red blood cells (RBCs) after transfer into blood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs) on RBC distribution of tacrolimus in a physiological environment.MethodsHuman RBCs were isolated from fresh blood samples from healthy volunteers. The effect of FKBPs on each process of the RBC distribution of tacrolimus was evaluated in vitro. Effect of intracellular FKBPs was assessed by inhibition experiment with rapamycin, which competitively inhibits the binding of tacrolimus to FKBPs. Effect of extracellular FKBPs was examined by pre-exposure of RBCs to FKBP and preincubation of tacrolimus with FKBP.ResultsPretreatment with rapamycin significantly reduced the rate of tacrolimus distribution in RBCs in a concentration-dependent manner. Pre-exposure of RBCs to FKBP12 followed by exposure to tacrolimus significantly decreased tacrolimus distribution in RBCs in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, preincubation of tacrolimus with FKBP12 significantly reduced the rate of tacrolimus distribution in RBCs.ConclusionsFKBP played an important role in the distribution of tacrolimus in RBCs. The effect of intracellular and extracellular FKBPs on RBC distribution of tacrolimus in circulating blood was substantial. FKBP was shown as a potential biomarker for predicting the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tacrolimus.