Influence of copper nutrition on gentamicin nephrotoxicity in rats.

Lipid peroxidation may play a role in the acute nephrotoxicity of gentamicin (GM). Copper (Cu) depletion is associated with reduced activity of certain antioxidant enzymes in tissues, and with kidney lesions and impaired renal function. This study, therefore, investigated the effect of Cu nutrition on GM nephrotoxicity. Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed Cu adequate or Cu depleted diets for 16 days, then injected intraperitoneally with GM (0-100 mg.kg body weight-1.day-1) for 8 days. GM, but not mild Cu depletion, induced lesions in the kidney and increased plasma urea and urinary excretion of n-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase. Lower iron in Cu-depleted kidneys and normal Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase may have prevented additional GM damage during mild Cu depletion.