Reduction of streptomycin-induced acute and chronic toxicities

The acute and chronic toxicities of streptomycin sulfate (SS) and of the streptomycin hydrochloride-calcium chloride complex (SCC) were compared. The LD50 determined in mice was significantly higher for SCC than for SS. Chronic toxicity was evaluated by recording the nystagmus induced by damped torsion pendulum in rabbits. SS and SCC treatments (200 mg/kg intramuscularly of absolute streptomycin base) decreased the duration, the maximal frequency, and the total number of beats of nystagmus. However, SCC-induced changes were significantly lower than SS-induced ones. The extent of the lesion in the crista ampullaris was evaluated by light and electron microscopy and was correlated with the electrophysiological findings. Because the authors also demonstrated that there are no differences in the antibacterial effects of these salts, SCC may have a place in long-term streptomycin treatment.