REDUCTION OF STREPTOMYCIN-INDUCED ACUTE AND CHRONIC TOXICITIES

The acute and chronic toxicities of streptomycin sulfate (SS) and of t he streptomycin hydrochloride-calcium chloride complex (SCC) were comp ared. The LD(50) determined in mice was significantly higher for SCC t han for SS. Chronic toxicity was evaluated by recording the nystagmus induced by damped torsion pendulum in rabbits. SS and SCC treatments ( 200 mg/kg intramuscularly of absolute streptomycin base) decreased the duration, the maximal frequency, and the total number of beats of nys tagmus. However, SCC-induced changes were significantly lower than SS- induced ones. The extent of the lesion in the crista ampullaris was ev aluated by light and electron microscopy and was correlated with the e lectrophysiological findings. Because the authors also demonstrated th at there are no differences in the antibacterial effects of these salt s, SCC may have a place in long-term streptomycin treatment.