Dose-Dependent Amelioration of Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Adult Swiss Albino Rats by Vitamin B-complex - A Preliminary Study

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of vitamin B-complex on the nephrotoxicity of gentamicin in an established rat model. Methods: Adult Swiss albino rats weighing 170±20g were divided into 4 groups of 4 rats each. Each group was given one of the following: placebo injection (Control), 80mg/kg of gentamicin sulphate alone or with 1.5ml/kg/3ml/kg body weight of vitamin B-complex (intramuscular) containing 10mg thiamine, 1.5mg riboflavin and 1.0mg pyridoxal-6-phosphate per ml. Results: In the Swiss albino rats, daily intramuscular 80mg/kg gentamicin sulphate significantly (p<0.05) and consistently produced biochemical signs of nephrotoxicity after 5 days. Also, 1.5 ml/kg of B-complex significantly (p<0.05) ameliorated the rate and extent of increase in serum urea and creatine while 3ml/kg of the same drug completely prevented the increase in serum urea and creatine in this model. Conclusion: Vitamin B-complex dose-dependently ameliorated gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in adult Swiss albino rats when given intramuscularly. This finding may have important clinical utility.