Hysterosalpingography contrast media and chromotubation dye inhibit peritoneal lymphocyte and macrophage function in vitro: a potential mechanism for fertility enhancement.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of hysterosalpingography (HSG) contrast media (CM) and chromotubation dye on peritoneal lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage phagocytosis in vitro.


METHODS
Peritoneal fluid (PF) lymphocytes and macrophages were isolated from 40 subfertile women undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy and 12 fertile women having laparoscopic tubal ligation. Dilutions of renografin, ethiodol, methylene blue, and indigo carmine were added to peritoneal lymphocyte and macrophage cultures. Tissue culture media alone served as control. Lymphocyte proliferation was assessed by hemocytometer counts and 3H-thymidine incorporation. Macrophage function was determined by phagocytosis of fluorescent microspheres.


RESULTS
Peritoneal lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage phagocytosis were significantly inhibited by renografin, ethiodol, methylene blue, and indigo carmine in a dose-dependent manner.


CONCLUSIONS
Inhibition of PF immune cell function by HSG CM and chromotubation dye may provide a potential mechanism for fertility enhancement after these diagnostic procedures.
Fearing Research Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
S B
SB
Goodman
M S
MS
Rein
J A
JA
Hill
D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine / Q000494:pharmacology; D004998:Ethiodized Oil / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007047:Hysterosalpingography; D007203:Indigo Carmine / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000494:pharmacology; D010587:Phagocytosis; D013246:Sterilization, Tubal; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*
D004396:Coloring Agents; D003287:Contrast Media; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine; D004998:Ethiodized Oil; D007203:Indigo Carmine; D008751:Methylene Blue