CHRONOPHARMACOKINETICS OF CYCLOSPORINE-A IN THE WISTAR RAT FOLLOWING ORAL-ADMINISTRATION

The pharmacokinetics of Cyclosporine A (CsA) was studied in male Wistar rats weighing 300 +/- 50 g trained to a 12:12 light-dark cycle. Oral administration (40 mg/kg) was performed at 1 of 4 different temporal stages: 09.00 h, 15.00 h, 21.00 h or 03.00 h (local time) i.e. 0200, 0800, 1400 or 2000 HALO (hours after light on). Blood samples were collected over 72-96 h after dosing, plasma was separated by centrifugation at 37-degrees-C and stored frozen until assay, using radioimmunoassay (RIA). Two experiments were performed: the first with 4 groups of 48 rats and a non-specific polyclonal antibody (P-RIA); and the second with only 2 groups of 48 rats and a more specific monoclonal antibody (M-RIA). Plasma concentration data were evaluated with model-based linear pharmacokinetic concepts, with apparent zero-order or first-order absorption and n-exponential disposition (n = 1, 2 or 3) : models MN0 or MN1. A compartment-independent approach was also conducted and led to area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and mean residence time (MRT) determinations. A comparison of the pharmacokinetic profiles across time of administration indicates that absorption, first-pass metabolism and tissue distribution of CsA in the rat are circadian-dosing stage dependent.