Aim and methods: P-glycoprotein (gp-170, P-gp) is a transmembrane transporter involved in drug, for example cyclosporine A, efflux from the cells thus limiting their intracellular concentration. Expression of the transporter on the surface of immune competent cells may be associated with poor prognosis in kidney transplant patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate P-gp expression on the surface of CD4(+), CD8(+), CD19(+) and CD56(+) cells in kidney transplant patients treated with cyclosporine A as a main immunosuppressant, using flow cytometry.
Results: It was found that P-gp expression in kidney transplant patients with acute rejection did not differ significantly from transplanted patients without rejection studied in the same period after transplantation, as well as from the healthy controls. Administration of 3-day course of 1,000 mg/24 h methylprednisolone did not affect the expression of P-gp in the studied cells, except for significant elevation in CD56(+) cells, which disappeared at 2 weeks after cessation of steroid administration.
Conclusion: Based on the results from the present study it can be concluded that P-gp expression is not a prognostic factor of acute kidney graft rejection.