The effect of furosemide on glucose oxidation of the cochlea and other tissues.

We tested the hypothesis that furosemide interferes with energy generation in the cochlea, and determined its effect on CO2 formation from glucose and glyceroaldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) activity by examining biochemical and histochemical changes in the cochlea, the kidney, and the liver. We found that furosemide suppressed CO2 formation in vitro at relatively low concentrations in all tissues examined. GAPDH was inhibited as soon as 2 min after its administration (80 mg/kg, i.v.). Recovery of this enzyme activity was most rapid in the liver. We concluded that furosemide does interfere with energy generation in the cochlea, kidney, and liver as a result of its inhibition of GAPDH.