RENAL GLYCOSURIA DUE TO GENTAMICIN IN RABBITS

Gentamicin sulfate was given to rabbits for 4 wk in 2 dosage regimens, either 4 or 8 mg/kg s.c. twice a day. Two of the 7 animals in each group regained nearly normal renal function after a transient rise in the level of serum creatine; the remainder developed severe renal failure leading to the death of all but 1 of these rabbits. No animal showed significant hyperglycemia, but glycosuria appeared in all and was significantly correlated with the extent of renal damage. These findings demonstrate gentamicin-induced derangement of proximal tubular function and thus amplify the previously demonstrated histologic changes due to the drug. When the drug was administered twice daily, there was marked nephrotoxicity in rabbits given dosages of gentamicin only slightly higher than those employed clinically.