Effect of gentamicin on human blood cells metabolism as measured by microcalorimetry

The effect of gentamicin on overall metabolism in human blood cells was studied by microcalorimetry. At concentrations above therapeutic levels, the drug induced an increase in heat production rate in red cells, whereas no effect was found at lower concentrations. The Na/K-pump was unaffected at any gentamicin concentration. A slight increase in heat production rate was noted in granulocytes when incubated with gentamicin at concentrations above therapeutic levels, otherwise no effect was recorded at lower concentrations. Lymphocytes were unaffected by gentamicin at any concentration. Microcalorimetry seems to be a suitable method for studying the effect of drugs on overall cell metabolism, and for evaluating the Na/K-pump activity.