title: Pharmacokinetics: an analysis of the method.
abstract: The field of radiology in general, and gastrointestinal radiology in particular, can and has benefited by the application of pharmacokinetic principles in contrast agent research and development. The application of basic pharmacokinetic principles can aid in the design of new synthetic analogues. In many cases, the presence or the absence of certain functional groups in particular locations on the aromatic ring system can predictively influence the binding, clearance and half-life values of these compounds. Detailed pharmacokinetic understanding of gastrointestinal contrast agents, particularly cholecystopaques, hold the key for unlocking the "black box" aspects of hepatic/biliary functions. Specific agents are currently quantitating and characterizing hepatic uptake, enzyme transformations, and biliary excretion functions of the liver. Pharmacokinetic principles can also be applied within the clinical radiology setting. Studies are currently underway to correlate blood iodine levels following iopanoic acid (Telepaque) administration with the causes of gallbladder nonvisualization. In summary, the use of pharmacokinetics has and will continue to assist the gastrointestinal radiologist interested in developmental, basic, and/or clinical research.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001665:Binding Sites; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004064:Digestive System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism*; D004285:Dogs; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011859:Radiography; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media