[Animal experiments concerning the neurotoxicity of aminoglycosid antibiotics. Electron microscopic findings regarding dose--depending mitochondrial damage in the cochlear nucleus of the guinea pig (author's transl)].

In 34 guinea pigs (plus 8 healthy animals for control) Gentamicin, Tobramycin and Amikacin show a characteristic pattern of mitochondrial damage in the cochlear nucleus of the guinea pig after a 10-day-administration of 4/40 mg/kg body weight Gentamicin, 4/50 mg/kg Tobramycin, respectively 15/75/150 mg/kg Amikacin. Amikacin causes the most pronounced physiological damage observed by the early loss of Preyer reflex and general toxic signs--these observations correspond with the morphological findings. By the evaluation of morphological findings we are convinced that there is indication for a direct neurotoxic effect on mitochondria in the cochlea nucleus regarding the dose and time of administration.