[Circadian variations in the intraerythrocytic transport of lidocaine]

1. We previously reported circadian variations of pharmacokinetic parameters of lidocaine in the rat after a single 50 mg.kg-1. I.M. dose of this drug administered at four different fixed time points of a 24-hours period (i.e.: 10.00, 16.00, 22.00 or 04.00 h). As diurnal variations of membrane permeability was one of the suggested hypothesis, we investigated this possibility through the search of an eventual influence of the hour of administration of lidocaine on its intraerythrocytic passage. 2. Plasmatic and intraerythrocytic levels of lidocaine were determinated during 6 hours after each administration (10.00, 16.00, 22.00 or 04.00 h). 3. Our data show a circadian variation of the intraerythrocytic passage of lidocaine higher intraerythrocytic levels of this drug are observed when lidocaine is administered at 22.00 h; at this time the red blood cell level of the drug represent 73,6% of the plasmatic level. 4. The circadian variation of the intraerythrocytic passage of lidocaine in the rat may reflect circadian variations of membrane permeability, explaining in part the circadian fluctuations of lidocaine pharmacokinetics.