Time-dependent change in the toxic effects of amikacin on renal functions.

The present study was undertaken to examine whether there was a time-dependent change in the toxic effects of amikacin, an aminoglycoside, on renal functions. Male Wistar rats were maintained under conditions of light from 7 am to 7 pm and dark from 7 pm to 7 am. Amikacin (1.2 g/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to animals at 4 am, 10 am, 4 pm or 10 pm. Glomerular function estimated by creatinine clearance (Clcr) and tubular function estimated by urinary excretion of a loop diuretic, furosemide, which was excreted in urine mainly by tubular secretion, were determined before and 24 hours after amikacin injection. The values of these parameters were reduced by amikacin at each observation point. The magnitude of these decrements was greatest at 4 pm both for Clcr and urinary furosemide excretion. These results suggest that the toxic effects of amikacin on renal glomerular and tubular functions vary with its time of administration.