Transport mechanisms drug distribution

The answers are 31-b, 32-a, 33-d (Katzung, pp 4—7.) The absorption, distribution, and elimination of drugs require that they cross various cellular membranes The descriptions that are given in the question define the various transport mechanisms. The most common method by which ionic compounds of low molecular weight (100 to 200) enter cells is via membrane channels. The degree to which such filtration occurs varies from cell type to cell type because their pore sizes differ. 

The transport mechanisms that operate in distribution and elimination processes of drugs, drug-carrier conjugates and pro-drugs include convective transport (for example, by blood flow), passive diffusion, facilitated diffusion and active transport by carrier proteins, and, in the case of macromolecules, endocytosis. The kinetics of the particular transport processes depend on the mechanism involved. For example, convective transport is governed by fluid flow and passive diffusion is governed by the concentration gradient, whereas facilitated diffusion, active transport and endocytosis obey saturable MichaeUs-Menten kinetics. 

Distribution is the delivery of drug from the systemic circulation to tissues. Once a drug has entered the blood compartment, the rate at which it penetrates tissues and other body fluids depends on several factors. These include (1) capillary permeability, (2) blood flow-tissue mass ratio (i.e., perfusion rate), (3) extent of plasma protein and specific organ binding, (4) regional differences in pH, (5) transport mechanisms available, and (6) the permeability characteristics of specific tissue membranes. 

Selective distribution within the body occurs because of special affinity between particular drugs and particular body constituents. Many drugs bind to proteins in the plasma phenothiazines and chloro-quine bind to melanin-containing tissues, including the retina, which may explain the occurrence of retinopathy. Drugs may also concentrate selectively in a particular tissue because of specialised transport mechanisms, e.g. iodine in the thyroid. 

As a drug is distributed in the body, it comes in contact with numerous membranes. Drugs pass some membranes but not others. Table 1.2 compares four drug transport mechanisms. 

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