Molecular interaction between lacidipine and biological membranes

AIM:To examine the molecular basis for the unique pharmacokinetics of lacidipine by defining interactions between lacidipine and biological membranes, which may explain the long clinical half-life of this calcium channel antagonist. METHODS:Radiotracer analysis was used to determine the membrane partition coefficient and washout kinetics of lacidipine with membranes of different composition. Small-angle X-ray diffraction with angstrom resolution was used to determine the location of lacidipine in membranes. RESULTS:Lacidipine had a high membrane partition coefficient, which decreased as cholesterol in the membrane increased, and a slow rate of membrane washout. The drug was found deep within the membraneʼs hydrocarbon core, which was consistent with the other membrane drug parameters. CONCLUSIONS:Lacidipineʼs location and interaction within membranes may provide a longer duration of therapeutic action and can explain the unique pharmacokinetics of this drug.