Contrast medium concentration in epithelial mucosal cells after colonic instillation of lodixanol: a semiquantitative study indicating the route of permeation.
OBJECTIVE
Studies have shown that water-soluble radiographic contrast media may be useful as intestinal permeability probes. The current study was undertaken to provide information about the route by which such a permeability probe crosses the mucosal epithelium.


METHODS
The authors administered 3 mL of iodixanol (iodine, 320 mg/mL) by means of an enema into the colons of (a) rats with experimental colitis induced 14 days earlier and (b) normal rats. At various intervals after the enema, laparotomy was performed and the colon was identified and longitudinally split immediately before cryofixation, without prior interruption of circulation. Freeze-dried cryosections were studied by means of electron microscopy and x-ray microanalysis.


RESULTS
Approximately equal concentrations of iodine were found intracellularly and between the epithelial cells of the colonic mucosa. Ninety percent of analyzed cells had a normal sodium-potassium ratio and low levels of intracellular chlorine, indicating intact cell membranes. Nevertheless, many of these cells, in specimens from both normal rats and rats with colitis, contained high intracellular iodine concentrations.


CONCLUSIONS
The transcellular route seems to be at least as important as the paracellular route for permeation of the highly water-soluble molecule iodixanol through the mucosal epithelium of both normal and inflamed rat colon. This finding may contradict previous findings in other water-soluble substances.
Andersen
Rune
R
Department of Experimental Radiology, Institute for Surgical Research, The National Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway.
Tvedt
Kåre E
KE
Nordby
Asbjørn
A
Laeaerum
Frode
F
D000818:Animals; D003092:Colitis / Q000378:metabolism; D003106:Colon / Q000378:metabolism*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D004733:Enema; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000502:physiology*; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D003287:Contrast Media; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids; C044834:iodixanol