P-glykoprotein has been proposed to function as a membrane transport protein for a large variety of substrates, ranging from small lipophilic molecules, steroid hormones, lipophilic peptides, some drugs, biologically important molecules and xenobiotics. There is little doubt that P-glycoprotein transports a wide range of substrates out of cells, nevertheless it is difficult to explain its wide substrate specifity and mechanism of the transport. P-glycoprotein has been found to be a major cause of acquired multidrug resistance (MDR) of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. The identification and localization of P-glycoprotein expression in a variety of normal human tissues raised the question of the physiological functions of P-glykoprotein. Currently, there is considerable evidence that P-glycoprotein can protect the body and sensitive tissues against a range of different xenobiotics. In addition, P-glycoprotein might play a role in regulation of cell differentiation, proliferation, immune response and programmed cell death. This review will summarize new insights about the role of P-glycoprotein in the physiology of the human body.

        Key words: P-glycoprotein, transporter, physiological role, pharmacokinetics, barriers, drug distribution, immune response, apoptosis, membrane