Iodinated contrast media alter immune responses in pro-inflammatory states.
BACKGROUND
Hypertonic saline causes a transient elevation of blood osmolality and has been shown to alter cellular inflammatory responses in pro-inflammatory states. Intravascular administration of iodine contrast media also causes a transient elevation of blood osmolarity.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of iodine contrast media on leukocyte-endothelial interaction in vivo using intravital microscopy.


METHODS
Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=36) were randomized into six groups and were treated with: saline, high osmolar contrast medium, low osmolar contrast medium, and endotoxin alone and in combination with the high and low osmolar contrast media. The effect on leukocyte-endothelial interaction in the post-mesenteric venules was observed using the technique of intravital microscopy. The sequence of leukocyte rolling velocity, leukocyte-endothelial cell adherence, and transmigration was recorded and analyzed at 10 min intervals to a maximum of 120 min.


RESULTS
Endotoxin significantly decreased the rolling velocity and increased the adherence and transmigration of leukocytes in a time-dependent manner. Both types of iodine contrast media attenuated this pro-inflammatory response to endotoxin. This effect began between 60 and 70 min after the onset of the experiment.


CONCLUSIONS
Hyperosmolar and lower osmolar iodine contrast media attenuate the pro-inflammatory leukocyte-endothelial response to endotoxin in vivo.
Department of Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Beaumont Hospital and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
David H
DH
O'Donnell
Michael A
MA
Moloney
David J
DJ
Bouchier-Hayes
Michael J
MJ
Lee
D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000494:pharmacology*; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000633:toxicity; D054879:Halogenation; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology*; D007455:Iodine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D003287:Contrast Media; D004731:Endotoxins; C044101:endotoxin, Escherichia coli; D007455:Iodine