Consequences of the N-B transition of albumin for the binding of warfarin in human serum

Biochem Pharmacol. 1983 Jan 15;32(2):281-5. doi: 10.1016/0006-2952(83)90556-7.

Abstract

The protein binding of warfarin in serum has been studied by means of circular dichroism and equilibrium dialysis. Evidence was found that the N-B transition of albumin, occurring around physiological pH, takes place not only in solutions of pure albumin but also in serum. The protein binding of warfarin in serum is pH-dependent and increases with pH especially around physiological pH. This pH-dependent serum binding of warfarin can be reasonably explained by the N-B transition of albumin. The effect of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on the protein binding of warfarin in serum is negligible at pH 7.4, whereas at this pH Cl- increases the free-warfarin concentration by a competitive displacement.

MeSH terms

  • Calcium / pharmacology
  • Chlorides / pharmacology
  • Dialysis
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Kinetics
  • Magnesium / pharmacology
  • Protein Binding / drug effects
  • Protein Conformation / drug effects
  • Serum Albumin / metabolism*
  • Warfarin / blood*

Substances

  • Chlorides
  • Serum Albumin
  • Warfarin
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium