We investigated whether P-glycoprotein (P-gp) ATPase activity of Caco-2 cell membranes could be estimated by measuring consumption of ATP using luciferin-luciferase reaction, and whether the results would be useful for assessment of the interactions between P-gp and drugs. The vanadate-sensitive ATPase activity of Caco-2 cell membranes was measured rapidly with high sensitivity using luciferin-luciferase reaction. Cyclosporin A, verapamil, digoxin and quinidine stimulated the ATPase activity concentration-dependently with Km values of 5.3, 0.9, 1.2 and 4.1 microM, respectively. These values except for digoxin were comparable with previous reports. The ATPase activity and P-gp mRNA expression in Caco-2 cells were induced by all-trans-retinoic acid, digoxin and levothyroxine, but not dexamethasone or rifampicin. This method was useful to assess interactions with P-gp and drugs, and was used to elucidate the mechanisms of interaction of levothyroxine and digoxin.