Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
Autonomously Bioluminescent Mammalian Cells for Continuous and Real-time Monitoring of Cytotoxicity
Published on: October 28, 2013
Viability of Human Melanocytes HEMa-LP Exposed to Amikacin and Kanamycin
D Wrześniok1, M Otręba, A Beberok
1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska 4, PL 41 200 Sosnowiec, Poland.
Abstract:
Aminoglycosides, such as amikacin and kanamycin, are powerful broad-spectrum antibiotics used for the treatment of many bacterial infections. The widely used aminoglycosides have the unfortunate side effects of targeting sensory hair cells of the inner ear, so that treatment often results in permanent hair cell loss. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of incubation time and drug concentration on viability of melanocytes cultured in the presence of amikacin or kanamycin. The normal human melanocytes HEMa-LP and the different concentrations of amikacin (0.075, 0.75 and 7.5 mmol/l) and kanamycin (0.06, 0.6 and 6.0 mmol/l), were used. The estimations were performed after 24, 48 and 72 h. The observed decrease in melanocytes viability may be an explanation for the mechanisms involved in aminoglycosides toxicity on pigmented tissues during high-dose and/or long-term therapy.
Insights
Aminoglycoside antibiotics like amikacin and kanamycin can harm inner ear cells. This study investigated their impact on melanocyte viability, revealing potential mechanisms for toxicity in pigmented tissues.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Aminoglycosides are broad-spectrum antibiotics crucial for treating bacterial infections.
- A significant side effect of aminoglycoside therapy is ototoxicity, leading to sensory hair cell loss.
- The toxic mechanisms of aminoglycosides, particularly on pigmented tissues, require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of varying incubation times and concentrations of amikacin and kanamycin on melanocyte viability.
- To explore the potential cellular mechanisms underlying aminoglycoside-induced toxicity in pigmented cells.
Main Methods:
- Normal human melanocytes (HEMa-LP) were cultured with amikacin or kanamycin at different concentrations (0.075–7.5 mmol/l and 0.06–6.0 mmol/l, respectively).
- Melanocyte viability was evaluated after incubation periods of 24, 48, and 72 hours.
- Drug concentrations and incubation durations were systematically varied to determine dose- and time-dependent effects.
Main Results:
- A decrease in melanocyte viability was observed with increasing incubation time and drug concentration for both amikacin and kanamycin.
- The results indicate a dose-dependent and time-dependent cytotoxic effect of these aminoglycosides on melanocytes.
- These findings suggest a potential link between aminoglycoside exposure and adverse effects on pigmented tissues.
Conclusions:
- Aminoglycoside exposure, specifically amikacin and kanamycin, reduces melanocyte viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner.
- This reduction in viability may contribute to the observed toxicity of aminoglycosides in pigmented tissues during prolonged or high-dose treatments.
- Further research is warranted to fully understand the implications for pigmented tissue health during aminoglycoside therapy.
