Influence of gentamicin on the ATPase, electrolytes lipid peroxides and histology of rat renal cortical tissues

ABSTRACT

Calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium dependent ATPases and their corresponding cations together with the lipid peroxides and proteins were determined in renal cortical homogenate of five groups of adult male albino rats [6 animals each] from which one group was used as control and the other 4 groups were treated with a low dose of gentamicin [10 mg/-kg/D] for up to 21 days. The activity levels of the Na[+], K[+] ATPases were significantly inhibited after 15 days of treatment compared to the control whereas Mg[2]+, Ca[2]+ ATPases activity showed nonsignificant change from the control values. Both sodium and calcium cations concentrations significantly increased after 15 days in contrast to potassium and magnesium cations levels which showed a significant decrease after 15 days of treatment compared to the control values. In addition, rat renal cortical homogenates showed a significant increase in lipid peroxide levels throughout the first 15 days of gentamicin treatment. These findings were associated with histological and histochemical changes. It can be concluded that biochemical changes in renal tissue reflect the possible cellular damage. However, these changes were reversed and levels were returned to normal after 21 days of gentatmicin treatment. Therefore gentamicin should be used very cautiously using the lowest possible therapeutic dose and if it is necessary to use it, its nephrotoxic effect should be monitored in aged or critically-ill patients to detect the early laboratory and functional changes