Interaction between the renal excretion rates of beta 2-microglobulin and tobramycin in man.

The renal excretion rate of beta 2-microglobulin in man is 127 +/- 98 ng/min at alkaline urine pH (pH 7). Tobramycin, up to intravenous doses of 160 mg (2 mg/kg) does not increase the renal excretion rate of beta 2-microglobulin. Tobramycin must have less affinity than gentamicin for the tubular system for active reabsorption of amino groups containing organic compounds. Due to this reduced affinity tobramycin will be absorbed less by the proximal tubular cells, which may be one of the reasons for tobramycin being less toxic than gentamicin. beta 2-Microglobulin excretion can be used as a parameter for the relative binding affinity of aminoglycosides.