The effect of oral calcium load or verapamil on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity

Several investigators have reported recently that in rats, oral calcium load is associated with a marked amelioration in gentamicin-induced renal failure. In contrast to these reports, using the same animal model, we could not observe calcium-induced moderation in gentamicin nephrotoxicity as reflected by either urea or creatinine serum concentration or by various renal cortical intracellular enzymatic activities. Similarly, verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, had no effect on the degree of renal failure in these animals. We conclude that manipulation of calcium diet may not be uniformly effective in reducing gentamicin nephrotoxicity. Additional nutritional factors may play a crucial role in achieving the amelioration of this model of toxic nephropathy.