The effect of gentamicin on calcium uptake by renal mitochondria.

The effect of the nephrotoxic aminoglycoside antibiotic, gentamicin, on calcium uptake by renal cortical mitochondria was assessed in vitro. Gentamicin was found to be a competitive inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca++ uptake. This effect displayed a dose response with a Ki of 233 microM and occurred at gentamicin concentrations below those that inhibit mitochondrial electron transport. These results further demonstrate the potential for gentamicin to alter membrane function and thereby contribute to toxic cell injury via its interactions with divalent cations.