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Urinary myelin figures in gentamicin. Treated vs. ischemic kidneys
The American Surgeon
|May 1, 1983
Summary
Urinary myelin figures are a key indicator of gentamicin-induced kidney damage in dogs, but not typically seen with short-term renal artery clamping. This finding aids in diagnosing acute kidney injury causes.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Toxicology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Myelin figures have been observed in renal tubules and urine after gentamicin administration.
- Differentiating causes of acute kidney injury (AKI) is clinically significant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the urinary excretion of myelin figures in dogs with gentamicin-induced kidney injury versus those with renal artery ischemia.
- To evaluate myelin figures as a potential biomarker for gentamicin nephrotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Ten dogs were divided into two groups: gentamicin injection (40 mg/kg/day) or renal artery clamping (1-2 hours).
- Serum creatinine levels and urine sediment (light and electron microscopy) were analyzed for epithelial cells and myelin figures (graded 0-4+).
Main Results:
- Dogs with gentamicin-induced renal failure showed significant myelin figures (1+ to 4+) in urine sediment.
- Dogs with renal artery clamping exhibited absent or only trace amounts of myelin figures, irrespective of creatinine levels.
- Two dogs in the gentamicin group developed severe renal impairment and excreted copious myelin figures before death.
Conclusions:
- Conspicuous urinary excretion of myelin figures is characteristic of gentamicin-induced renal failure in dogs.
- Myelin figures are not a prominent feature of short-term (1-2 hour) renal vascular ischemia in dogs.
- Urinary myelin figures may serve as a specific indicator for gentamicin nephrotoxicity.