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Biomedical subjects

R A Branch

Publications and source records attributed to R A Branch.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Increased blood and urine copper after residential exposure to copper naphthenate.

Despite widespread industrial use of copper naphthenate, there are no reports of the relationship of copper naphthenate and copper absorption in humans or animals. We report a family of three individuals who lived in a home where copper naphthenate was sprayed on the inner foundation. Subsequently, these individuals developed non-specific complaints. In two of these individuals, serum copper levels were elevated when first measured months after copper naphthenate was sprayed in the home. A gradual decline over several years in urine and serum copper levels was observed in the individual who maintained follow-up. It is not known if symptoms reflected exposure to naphthenate, the solvent vehicle, volatilized copper, or the stress of exposure to a malodorous compound perceived as toxic. Exposure to copper naphthenate may be another cause of an elevated serum and urine copper level but the interpretation of these levels as "normal" or "toxic" requires additional study for clarification. This report suggests the need for further study of the absorption and relative toxicity of copper naphthenate.

Absorption↗
PubMed1992

Cimetidine-carbaryl interaction in humans: evidence for an active metabolite of carbaryl.

The influence of cimetidine on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic response to the insecticide carbaryl has been investigated in isolated human erythrocytes (red blood cells; RBC) and after oral administration of 1 mg/kg carbaryl to four normal subjects in the absence or presence of cimetidine (300 mg, 8/hr for 3 days). Carbaryl induced a concentration-dependent reduction of isolated RBC acetylcholinesterase activity requiring 1 microgram/ml to achieve 20% inhibition. Cimetidine also induced a dose-dependent inhibition of RBC acetylcholinesterase activity, but at 40-fold higher concentrations. At high concentrations, cimetidine was additive to carbaryl-induced inhibition of RBC acetylcholinesterase, but exhibited no effect at the therapeutically relevant concentrations (10 micrograms/ml). After oral carbaryl administration to normal subjects, plasma concentrations rapidly rose to a peak, then declined with a half-life of 0.79 +/- 0.47 hr. Oral carbaryl clearance was 5.4 +/- 2.0 l/min. Peak plasma carbaryl concentrations were associated with 27% inhibition of RBC acetylcholinesterase activity, and the concentration associated with a reduction of RBC acetylcholinesterase activity of 20% was 0.02 microgram/ml. The terminal half-life for the dynamic response was 2.6 +/- 1.5 hr. After pretreatment with cimetidine, peak plasma carbaryl concentrations doubled and clearance was reduced (to 2.5 +/- 1.5 l/min) (P less than .05). However, half-life remained unchanged. Despite increased carbaryl levels, the maximum inhibition of RBC acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly reduced, and the concentration of carbaryl required to achieve 20% inhibition of RBC acetylcholinesterase activity was increased to approximately 0.5 microgram/ml. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that carbaryl is metabolized by drug-metabolizing enzymes that can be inhibited by cimetidine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed1992

Human liver microsomal N-hydroxylation of dapsone by cytochrome P-4503A4.

One of the major routes of elimination of dapsone (4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone) is by N-oxidation, to produce a hydroxylamine metabolite. The specific form of cytochrome P-450 (P-450) involved in this oxidation reaction was examined in human liver microsomal preparations previously characterized with respect to their content of several known P-450 enzymes. Among five preparations, the rank order of activity for dapsone hydroxylamine formation was most well correlated with the immunochemically determined level of P-4503A4 (r = 0.94, p less than 0.03). Moreover, inhibition of microsomal oxidation was observed with antibodies specific to P-4503A, with a maximum reduction of greater than 90%, but was not produced by antibodies specific to P-4501A2, P-4502CMP, or P-4502E1. Prior incubation of microsomes with gestodene (100 microM) or troleandomycin (20 microM), known selective mechanism-based inhibitors of P-4503A enzymes (in the presence of NADPH), led to 75% and 40% reductions in catalytic activity, respectively. In contrast, preincubation with increasing concentrations of alpha-naphthoflavone, a known activator of P-4503A4, increased dapsone N-hydroxylation in a concentration-dependent manner, with 5-fold activation being observed at 50 microM alpha-naphthoflavone. Finally, P-4503A4 isolated from human liver microsomes and cDNA-expressed P-4503A4 (in yeast) were both able to catalyze dapsone N-hydroxylation, with the latter preparation exhibiting a 3-fold activation in the presence of 100 microM alpha-naphthoflavone. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that N-oxidation of dapsone in human liver is predominantly mediated by P-4503A4, and they suggest that quantitative measurement of this metabolic pathway in vivo might serve as an index of the activity of this enzyme.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1992

Influence of the adenosine receptor antagonist, CGS 15943A, on renal function after reconstruction of chronic renal artery stenosis in the dog.

Surgical reconstruction of chronic renal artery stenosis may correct the anatomical defect but not result in an initial improvement in function of the revascularized kidney. The functional and hemodynamic changes associated with surgical correction of the one-clip, two-kidney, canine model of renovascular hypertension were studied. In 14 dogs, a surgical clip was placed across the proximal renal artery and tightened to decrease perfusion pressure (RPP) and blood flow (RBF). One month later, measurements were obtained distal to the constriction, before and 30 min after vascular reconstruction. Surgical reconstruction was associated with a rise in RPP (86%, P less than .001), renal vascular resistance (47%, P less than .001) and RBF (22%, P less than .05). Creatinine clearance (CCr) remained unchanged, but a significant negative association existed between initial CCr and change in CCr. The role of adenosine in mediating these changes was examined using the selective receptor antagonist, CGS 15943A (CGS), or its vehicle. After vascular reconstruction, vehicle dogs sustained a marked increase in renal vascular resistance, with a 60 +/- 8 mm Hg rise in RPP, but only an 18% rise in RBF. In contrast, renal vascular resistance was unchanged in the CGS group, with a 56 +/- 7 mm Hg increase in RPP and a 69% increase in RBF (P less than .0001). CCr was not changed by either vascular reconstruction or CGS 15943A. Vascular reconstruction was associated with increases in urinary flow rate and sodium excretion in both groups, but this change was significantly greater in the CGS group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine↗
PubMed1991

A pharmacodynamic interaction between caffeine and phenylpropanolamine.

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction between caffeine and phenylpropanolamine has been investigated in six normal subjects in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, Latin-square design study. After 3 days on a 100 mEq sodium, xanthine-free diet, fasting subjects were placed in a supine position and were given 25 mg phenylpropanolamine and placebo, 250 mg caffeine and placebo, or 25 mg phenylpropanolamine and 250 mg caffeine in random order. Blood pressure, pulse, plasma renin activity, and plasma catecholamine levels were measured before and for 3 hours after drug administration. Plasma and urinary phenylpropanolamine, caffeine, and caffeine metabolite levels were measured serially for 48 hours. Coadministration of caffeine and phenylpropanolamine produced an additive increase in blood pressure. This effect could not be explained by any pharmacokinetic interaction between the two drugs and occurred even though phenylpropanolamine attenuated the epinephrine and renin response to caffeine. These data suggest that a clinically relevant interaction between caffeine and phenylpropanolamine does occur in drug-free subjects and that this interaction cannot be explained by a mechanism involving the sympathetic or renin-angiotensin systems.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Effect of salt supplementation on amphotericin B nephrotoxicity.

It has been suggested that salt loading protects against amphotericin B-induced nephrotoxicity. The influence of saline loading on the nephrotoxic response to amphotericin B (50 mg/dose given i.v. over 4 hr 3 X/week for 10 weeks) was assessed in two groups of ten patients each who were diagnosed with mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Patients were randomized to receive either 1 liter of 0.9% saline or 1 liter of 5% dextrose in water, administered i.v. over one hour in a double-blinded manner, directly prior to amphotericin B administration. Renal function was monitored on a weekly basis two days after the last dose of amphotericin B. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups except for a slightly higher serum creatinine concentration (Cr) in the saline group (0.8 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.04 mg/dl). Baseline sodium (Na) excretion was relatively high (262 +/- 23 mmol/day in the dextrose group and 224 +/- 17 mmol/day in the saline group). None of the patients sustained an increase in Cr to values greater than 1.7 mg/dl. Although mean Cr remained within normal, there was a significant difference between the two groups over the ten week period, with the dextrose group sustaining a significant increase in Cr and the saline group remaining unchanged. Serum potassium (K) levels fell in both groups necessitating oral K supplementation. The saline group required significantly greater amounts of K supplementation to maintain a normal serum K. Amphotericin B caused a rapid reduction in the acidification ability of the kidney in response to an ammonium chloride load. Under these conditions, the saline group had a poorer ability to acidify the urine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Mechanisms of amphotericin B-induced decrease in glomerular filtration rate in rats.

Mechanisms responsible for the reductions in renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in response to acute infusions of amphotericin B were investigated in vivo in rats. The influence of salt status and the roles of adenosine, cyclic AMP, and calcium influx were examined. Amphotericin B was infused into the renal artery in seven groups of rats at 0.025 mg/kg of body weight per min for 15 min. RBF and GFR were measured over 15 min before, during, and after the infusion. Control rats were maintained on a normal salt diet; a second group of rats received a salt-depleted diet, and a third group received a high-salt intake. Four other groups were kept on a normal diet and received theophylline (0.5 mumol/kg/min into the renal artery, intra-arterially [i.a.]), dibutyryl cyclic AMP (85 micrograms/min, i.a.), the 5'-nucleotidase inhibitor adenosine alpha,beta-methylene diphosphate (4 mg/kg, intramuscularly), or diltiazem (20 micrograms/kg/min, i.a.). Control rats had a prompt 50% decrease in RBF in response to amphotericin B. This was sustained over the 15-min infusion period and was accompanied by a decrease in creatinine clearance (CLCR) (from 0.83 +/- 0.08 to 0.40 +/- 0.09 ml/min; P less than 0.05). On stopping the infusion, RBF returned quickly to baseline but CLCR continued to decrease further (to 0.35 +/- 0.07 ml/min; P less than 0.05). Salt loading, theophylline, and diltiazem administration prevented the decreases in both RBF and CLCR. Both RBF and CLCR responses in the remaining groups were not significantly different from those in controls. The results of this study reveal a protective effect of salt loading and theophylline against amphotericin B nephrotoxicity in the rat but deny a role for adenosine in mediating these effects. They further suggest that theophylline inhibits the acute responses by a mechanism unrelated to either adenosine receptor blockade or phosphodiesterase inhibition and that calcium influx into the cells is probably responsible for the acute changes in RBF and GFR in response to amphotericin B.

Amphotericin B↗
PubMed1991

Sodium retention and hepatic function after two-thirds hepatectomy in the rat.

Recently it was suggested that the onset of sodium retention in experimental cirrhosis in rats is related to a critical threshold of hepatic function, as assessed by the aminopyrine breath test. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether sodium retention occurred after two-thirds hepatectomy in rats and to investigate the relationship between sodium retention and changes in hepatic function associated with liver regeneration in this model. Sodium balance, creatinine clearance, serum sodium and the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination were evaluated daily for 4 days after surgery in partially hepatectomized (n = 6) and sham-operated rats (n = 6). All rats in the partial hepatectomy group exhibited sodium retention (sodium balance greater than 0.7 mmol/day) 24 hr after surgery. This was associated with a 62% reduction of the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination. Spontaneous natriuresis which occurred between 2 and 4 days after surgery, was associated with an increase in the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination (from 0.73 +/- 0.02 x 10(-2) min-1 on the last day of sodium retention to 0.95 +/- 0.04 x 10(-2) min-1 on the first day of natriuresis [p less than 0.05]). In contrast, no change in creatinine clearance occurred over the same period. A negative curvilinear association was found between sodium balance and the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination in all animals (r = -0.72, p less than 0.001). These observations indicate that natriuresis is related to the recovery of liver function, not to changes in creatinine clearance. In conclusion, the concept of a critical threshold of liver function below which sodium retention occurs has been substantiated in this model of hepatic dysfunction.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1991

Caffeine potentiates the renin response to diazoxide in man. Evidence for a regulatory role of endogenous adenosine.

In the rat and dog, exogenous adenosine inhibits renin release and adenosine receptor blockade augments stimulated renin release, suggesting that endogenous adenosine contributes to the regulation of renin release. The present study examines the role of endogenous adenosine in the regulation of renin in humans. The ability of the adenosine receptor blocker, caffeine, to augment renin release in response to the vasodilator, diazoxide, has been investigated in eight normal subjects in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. During each arm of the study, subjects on a 150 mEq of sodium, xanthine-free diet received caffeine (250 mg 3 times daily) or placebo for 3 days before and on the study day, when they were given an i.v. loading dose of diazoxide (4 mg/kg) followed by a 3-hr continuous infusion (0.67 mg/kg/hour). PRA, caffeine and diazoxide levels were measured before, during and after the diazoxide infusion. PRA measurements were repeated with subjects standing, 6 hr after starting diazoxide. Administration of diazoxide resulted in a modest tachycardia and a small, but significant, decrease in BP. Supine PRA was elevated during and after the diazoxide infusion and rose further with standing. Although there was no difference in plasma diazoxide levels, maximal pulse or BP response to diazoxide between the two arms of the study, the renin response was significantly greater in the presence of caffeine. These data confirm that caffeine augments the PRA response to diazoxide and suggest that endogenous adenosine inhibits stimulated renin response in humans.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1990

Effect of an adenosine receptor antagonist on acute amphotericin B nephrotoxicity.

The clinical usage of amphotericin B in treating systemic fungal infections is limited by its nephrotoxicity, which is caused by reductions in renal blood flow and alterations in renal tubular function. Aminophylline, an adenosine receptor antagonist, attenuates amphotericin B-induced reductions in renal blood flow in both dogs and rats, which suggests that endogenous adenosine may participate in this response. However, aminophylline per se is a vasodilator and also changes intracellular levels of cyclic nucleotides and calcium. In this study, we re-examined the hypothesis that adenosine participates in amphotericin B-induced renal vasoconstriction by employing a novel adenosine receptor antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-(p-sulfophenyl)xanthine (DPSPX). This antagonist because of its negative charge at physiological pH, has limited access to the intracellular space. In a group of male Sprague-Dawley rats, an extracorporeal shunt was established between the carotid artery and left renal artery, via an aortic pouch, such that flow through the shunt was equivalent to renal blood flow. Also, a catheter was inserted into the left ureter for collection of urine and measurement of creatinine and electrolyte excretion. Amphotericin B-induced changes in renal blood flow and renal excretory function were measured in both control rats and rats pretreated with DPSPX at a dosage that abolishes the renovascular effects of exogenous adenosine in this model. In both control rats and rats pretreated with DPSPX, amphotericin B caused a marked decrease in renal blood flow, creatinine excretion, and potassium excretion; however, these effects of amphotericin B were similar in the two groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amphotericin B↗
PubMed1990

Phenobarbital influences the development of sodium retention in liver disease induced by bile duct ligation in the rat.

The onset of sodium retention in phenobarbital/carbon tetrachloride-induced cirrhosis in rats is preceded by a linear decrease in hepatic function as assessed by the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination. Sodium retention occurs when liver function decreases below a critical aminopyrine rate constant of elimination threshold of 1 min-1 x 10(-3). The objective of this study was to investigate this relationship in a different experimental model of cirrhosis in rats and to learn whether alteration of drug-metabolizing activity by hepatic enzyme induction changes the threshold for urinary sodium retention. Cirrhosis was induced in untreated and phenobarbital-treated rats by bile duct excision. Liver function, assessed by the aminopyrine breath test, and urinary sodium excretion on a constant salt diet were measured weekly for up to 4 wk. In untreated rats, the aminopyrine breath test rate constant of elimination was reduced by about 40% within 1 wk of surgery. Aminopyrine rate constant of elimination then decreased more slowly, but linearly. Urinary sodium excretion was initially unchanged, but sodium retention occurred after 2.5 wk and was maintained until the end of the experiment. Phenobarbital-treated rats had greater initial aminopyrine rate constant of elimination, but we saw a similar fall in aminopyrine rate constant of elimination of about 40% within 1 wk of bile duct excision to a value still above baseline aminopyrine rate constant of elimination of untreated controls. Aminopyrine rate constant of elimination remained at a plateau for 3.5 wk without changes in urinary sodium excretion. After 3.5 wk, a sudden decrease in aminopyrine rate constant of elimination was associated with the sudden onset of sodium retention.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aminopyrine↗
PubMed1990

The onset of sodium retention in experimental cirrhosis in rats is related to a critical threshold of liver function.

Although sodium retention is a common complication in advanced liver disease, the relationship between liver and kidney function in cirrhosis has not been well established. The objective of this study was to investigate this relationship in an experimental model of cirrhosis induced in phenobarbital-treated rats by weekly intragastric administration of carbon tetrachloride. Liver function, measured by the aminopyrine breath test, and urinary sodium excretion on a constant salt diet, were measured weekly. Administration of carbon tetrachloride led to cirrhosis, sodium retention, ascites and a reduction in liver function as measured by the amino pyrine breath test in all 15 rats surviving the first 8 wk. The time to develop sodium retention (defined as a decrease in urinary sodium excretion rate to less than 0.3 mmol/24 hr) varied from 9 to 19 wk. The aminopyrine breath test rate constant of elimination was reduced from 24 x 10(-3) min-1 +/- 2 x 10(-3) min-1 at the start of carbon tetrachloride administration by 61% +/- 10% at the time sodium retention occurred. A linear decrease was seen in aminopyrine breath test rate constant of elimination in the weeks preceding the onset of sodium retention. Sodium retention occurred when aminopyrine breath test rate contant of elimination was reduced to a critical threshold of 10 x 10(-3) +/- 1 x 10(-3) min-1, and then permitted to recover above this level by withdrawal of carbon tetrachloride. Sodium retention occurred when the aminopyrine breath test rate constant of elimination fell below the threshold; this was followed by spontaneous diuresis when aminopyrine breath test rate constant of elimination improved above 10 x 10(-3) +/- 1 x 10(-3) min-1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aminopyrine↗
PubMed1990

Renal and systemic hemodynamics in experimental cirrhosis in rats: relation to hepatic function.

The onset of sodium retention in the phenobarbital and carbon tetrachloride model of cirrhosis in the rat is preceded by a linear decrease in hepatic function as measured by the aminopyrine breath test. Sodium retention occurs when liver function decreases below a critical threshold. Changes in systemic hemodynamics may be responsible for initiating the development of renal sodium retention. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between hepatic function and systemic and renal hemodynamics of experimental cirrhosis in rats maintained on a constant salt diet. Cirrhosis was induced in phenobarbital-treated rats by weekly administration of carbon tetrachloride. The aminopyrine breath test served as a measure of hepatic function. Three groups of animals were studied to evaluate the contribution of changes in systemic and renal hemodynamics to the onset of sodium retention: a group with sodium retention and aminopyrine breath test results just below the critical threshold, a group without sodium retention and aminopyrine breath test results just above the critical threshold and a phenobarbital-treated control group. In each group, urinary sodium excretion, renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate, mean arterial pressure and arterial and renal venous plasma renin activities were determined. A progressive, significant reduction in mean arterial pressure was seen, comparing controls with the other two groups. No differences in renal plasma flow were observed between the three groups, but glomerular filtration rate and filtration fraction were slightly reduced in the sodium-retaining group compared with the non-retaining group and controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aminopyrine↗
PubMed1990

Pharmacokinetics after a single oral dose of bopindolol in patients with cirrhosis.

The plasma concentration-time curve of the hydrolysis product of bopindolol has been investigated in 14 patients with cirrhosis and in 15 healthy volunteers given a single oral dose of 2 mg bopindolol. Cirrhosis was confirmed by history and clinical examination or liver biopsy. The time to maximum concentration, maximum concentration and AUC of hydrolyzed bopindolol were similar in the patients and controls. However, the elimination half-life was 6.0 h in controls and 9.5 h in cirrhotics. Antipyrine clearance was markedly decreased in patients with cirrhosis, but no correlation was found with the pharmacokinetic parameters of hydrolysed bopindolol. Although the AUC was not significantly altered in patients with cirrhosis, the longer half-life of hydrolysed bopindolol suggests impairment of its disposition in liver disease, which could lead to significant accumulation of drug during chronic dosing.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1990

Scleroderma is associated with differences in individual routes of drug metabolism: a study with dapsone, debrisoquin, and mephenytoin.

Exposure to certain environmental agents may induce a scleroderma-like syndrome in a small proportion of individuals. Differences in susceptibility could involve metabolic activation of a protoxin, with affected patients having a greater converting ability. This possibility was investigated in 84 patients with scleroderma and 108 control subjects with in vivo probes of specific pathways of metabolism. Scleroderma was associated with reduced hydroxylating activity for dapsone and S-mephenytoin, whereas the ability to hydroxylate debrisoquin and N-acetyl dapsone was similar in both groups. Logistic regression confirmed these associations based on the shift in frequency distribution. Individuals who were poor metabolizers for mephenytoin and only modest N-hydroxylators of dapsone had a tenfold increased risk of scleroderma (p = 0.008). Thus this combined metabolic impairment may be causally involved in the development of scleroderma or, alternatively, the disease may produce inhibition of selected metabolizing enzymes in a subset of patients.

Acetylation↗
PubMed1990

The contribution of N-hydroxylation and acetylation to dapsone pharmacokinetics in normal subjects.

The relative importance of N-hydroxylation and acetylation of dapsone to the oral clearance of dapsone (100 mg) was investigated in seven healthy volunteers. Plasma dapsone and monoacetyldapsone concentrations rose rapidly with subsequent similar monoexponential elimination. The oral clearance of dapsone was low (33 +/- 14 ml/min), with a threefold variability. Four subjects were identified as fast acetylators; however, differences in acetylation did not explain the variability in oral clearance. The cumulative urinary recoveries of dapsone and its hydroxylamine were approximately 20% of the dose. The formation clearance of hydroxylamine, which exhibited a tenfold intersubject variability, was closely associated with the oral clearance of dapsone (r = 0.96). Thus, the formation of the hydroxylamine is more important than acetylation in determining dapsone's intersubject variability in oral clearance. Variation in N-hydroxylation may have clinical consequences, because the hydroxylamine is considered to be important in dapsone-mediated toxicity.

Acetylation↗
PubMed1990

Role of sodium in protection by extended-spectrum penicillins against tobramycin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Salt depletion is known to potentiate aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity, while salt replacement attenuates it. Recent studies have shown that ticarcillin protects against tobramycin and gentamicin nephrotoxicity. It has been suggested that this protection is due to an interaction between ticarcillin and the aminoglycoside. However, it can also be explained by the salt load associated with ticarcillin administration. This study was conducted to examine this question. Tobramycin was administered to eight groups of rats at 100 mg/kg per day intraperitoneally for 10 days. Group 1 rats were salt depleted, while group 2 rats were on a normal salt diet. Rats in groups 3 through 8 were also salt depleted but received, in addition, the following interventions intraperitoneally: group 3, ticarcillin, 300 mg/kg per day (0.37 to 0.39 meq of Na supplement per day); group 4, ticarcillin, 300 mg per day (1.56 meq of Na supplement per day); group 5, ticarcillin, 300 mg/kg per day, and NaCl supplement (1.17 to 1.19 meq/day), resulting in a total load of 1.56 meq/day; group 6, piperacillin, 400 mg/day (0.76 meq of Na supplement per day and equimolar to the ticarcillin dose [300 mg/day] in group 4 rats); group 7, piperacillin, 400 mg/day, and NaCl supplement (0.8 meq/day) for a total Na load of 1.56 meq/day; and group 8, 1.56 meq of Na per day as NaCl. Rats in groups 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8, which received a normal salt diet or its equivalent Na supplement, had no significant change in creatinine clearance (CLCR) over the 10-day period. The remaining groups sustained significant reductions in CLCR, as follows: group 1, -53.0% (P < 0.05); group 3, -66.2% (P < 0.05); group 6, -79.8% (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between the concentration of tobramycin in the kidneys and the percent change in CLCR at the end of the study. Concentrations of drugs in plasma were highest in group 1 rats, lowest in the rats in groups in which protection was observed, and moderately elevated in the remaining groups of rats. The results of this study suggest the following: (i) that the protective effect of ticarcillin against tobramycin nephrotoxicity is secondary to the obligatory sodium load associated with it, (ii) pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between salt and tobramycin are proposed to explain this effect, (iii) the nephrotoxicity of tobramycin is probably related to the degree of accumulation of the drug in the kidney, and (iv) an in vivo interaction between tobramycin and ticarcillin does not contribute to the protective effect of the penicillin but may influence concentrations in plasma, especially under conditions of severe renal impairment.

Animals↗