What Role Do Transporters Play in Drug and Toxin Interactions?
Transporters are proteins that facilitate the movement of substances across cell membranes. They can be targets for drug interactions, as they may modulate the absorption and excretion of drugs and toxins. For example, P-glycoprotein is a well-known transporter that pumps drugs and toxins out of cells, affecting their bioavailability and toxicity. Inhibitors or inducers of these transporters can lead to significant changes in the pharmacokinetics of co-administered substances.