Gentamicin Gradient Patterns and Morphological Changes in Human Kidneys

Abstract

The gentamicin gradient gradient pattern was studied in 10 autopsied patient who expired during tentamicin therapy. Although 2 of the patients had acute renal failure, none was thought to have gentamicin-related nephrotoxicity. Gentamicin concentrations in cortex significantly exceeded those in medulla or serum (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). No correlation was found between the cortical concentrations and the total drug dose, the time interval between the last injection and death, or the plasma creatinine concentrations in this heterogeneous group of patients. Two specimens were suitable for EM which displayed cytosegrosomes and myeloid bodies previously noted in experimental animals. Gentamicin apparently forms a gradient pattern in human kidney similar to that described in experimental animals and evokes similar morphological changes.