distribution
Definition
Distribution in pharmacology refers to the reversible transfer of a drug from the bloodstream to tissues and organs throughout the body after absorption. This process is governed by factors including blood flow, tissue permeability, protein binding, and physicochemical properties of the drug such as lipophilicity and molecular size. Distribution determines drug concentration at target sites and influences therapeutic efficacy and potential toxicity. The volume of distribution (Vd) quantifies the extent of distribution, indicating whether a drug remains primarily in plasma or extensively penetrates tissues. Understanding distribution patterns is critical for predicting drug behavior, optimizing dosing regimens, and identifying potential off-target effects in various tissues and organs.
Visualize distribution in Nodes Bio
Researchers can map drug distribution pathways as networks connecting drugs to tissues, transporters, and binding proteins. Network analysis reveals how molecular properties influence tissue penetration patterns, identifies transporter-mediated distribution mechanisms, and visualizes relationships between plasma protein binding and tissue accumulation. This enables prediction of distribution profiles for novel compounds based on structural similarities to known drugs.
Visualization Ideas:
- Drug-tissue distribution networks showing concentration patterns across organs
- Transporter-drug interaction networks governing tissue penetration
- Protein binding networks linking plasma proteins to drug distribution characteristics
Example Use Case
A pharmaceutical team developing a CNS-targeted therapeutic needs to optimize blood-brain barrier penetration. Using network analysis, they map relationships between drug lipophilicity, efflux transporter interactions (P-glycoprotein, BCRP), and brain tissue distribution for 200 approved CNS drugs. The visualization reveals that compounds with specific molecular weight ranges and hydrogen bond donor counts achieve optimal brain distribution while avoiding excessive peripheral tissue accumulation, guiding lead optimization strategies.