Gender differences in the membrane transport of endogenous and exogenous compounds

Pharmacol Rev. 2003 Jun;55(2):229-40. doi: 10.1124/pr.55.2.1.

Abstract

Gender differences have been well described in pharmacokinetics and contribute to the interindividual variation in drug disposition, therapeutic response, and drug toxicity. Sex-related differences in the membrane transport of endogenous substrates and xenobiotics have been reported in various organs of the body including kidney, liver, intestine, and brain. These gender-related differences in transport systems could also contribute to interindividual variability in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This review will focus on current knowledge of gender-associated differences in the transport of endogenous and exogenous compounds in a variety of body organs and will discuss the implications and the clinical significance of these observations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Area Under Curve
  • Biological Transport, Active
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney / metabolism*
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / physiology*
  • Pharmacokinetics*
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • Membrane Transport Proteins