Protective Effects of Ampicillin on the Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rat

Gentamicin is widely used for the treatment of gram negative bacterial infections, Its clinical use however is limited due to its side effects such as nephrotoxicity. Present study aimed to study the protective effect of ampicillin on gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rat. For this purpose, 40 male rats were randomly divided in four groups. Group 1 was used as control. In group 2, 40 mg kg(-1) gentamicin was given intramuscularly for 10 consecutive days. Rats in group 3 received 40 mg kg(-1) gentamicin. and 50 mg kg(-1) ampicillin. intramuscularly. Rats in group 4 were given 50 mg kg(-1) ampicillin. intramuscularly. About 1 day after last injection, rats were weighted, anesthetized and blood samples and histopathological samples of kidney were collected. Marked increases in BUN and serum creatinine levels were observed in gentamicin treated group (p<0.05). Co-administration of ampicillin decreased the rise in BUN and serum creatinine level. The most observed abnormality in rats treated with gentamicin was severe acute tubular necrosis and tubular epithelial loss resulting in tubular cast formation. In conclusion these results indicate that co-administration of ampicillin along with gentamicin prevents gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rat.