Glomerular basement membrane alterations induced by gentamicin administration in rats

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Aminoglycoside antibiotics like gentamicin (GM) are widely used but can cause nephrotoxicity.
• This side effect limits therapeutic applications and can lead to acute renal failure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the morphological, structural, and functional effects of high, supratherapeutic doses of gentamicin on the glomerular basement membrane.
• To assess kidney damage in adult rats exposed to gentamicin.

Main Methods:

• Adult male Wistar rats were divided into gentamicin (100mg/kg/day for 8 days) and control groups.
• Histological analysis involved HE, PAS, and Jones methenamine silver staining.
• Evaluated parameters included glomerular basement membrane thickness, glomerular dimensions, and optical density.
• Biochemical analyses measured blood urea, serum creatinine, sodium, and potassium levels.

Main Results:

• Gentamicin-treated rats exhibited enlarged glomeruli with diffusely thickened glomerular basement membranes and neutrophil infiltration.
• Significant increases in glomerular area, major/minor axes, diameter, and perimeter were observed in the GM-group.
• Conversely, glomerular optical density and roundness were reduced in gentamicin-treated rats compared to controls.
• Biochemical tests indicated kidney dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• High-dose gentamicin induces significant morphological and structural damage to glomeruli and glomerular basement membranes.
• Alterations in proximal tubules were also observed in gentamicin-exposed rats.
• These findings underscore the nephrotoxic potential of high gentamicin doses.