Nitric oxide (NO) is associated with gentamicin (GENTA) nephrotoxicity and the renal function recovery after suspension of GENTA treatment in rats.

Abstract GENTA nephrotoxicityis likely to be caused, among other factors, by an increase of vasoconstrictors or a decrease of vasodilators such as NO. Few days after discontinuing GENTA treatment, the renal functionis recovered, but if risk factors like advanced age, previous renal dysfunction, simultaneous use of other nephrotoxicdrugs or dehydration are present, severe and progressive renal disease occurs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the renal functionin rats during GENTA treatment and after its suspension as well as its relationship with NO. Rats were treated with water (vehicle, CTL) or GENTA (100 mg/kg BW) intraperitonially during 10 days; both n = 24. Twelve animals of each group were sacrificed after blood and 24 h urine were collected, and their kidneys were removed for histology. In another rats this procedure underwent after 20 or 30 days of GENTA suspension. GENTA treated group developeda marked decrease in renal function, characterized by an increased serum ureaand decreased creatinine clearance; NO was increased in the serum and decreased in the urine; all P