Use of near-infrared reflection spectroscopy to study the effects of X-ray contrast media on renal tolerance in rats: effects of a prostacyclin analogue and of phosphodiesterase inhibitors

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Use of near-infrared reflection spectroscopy (NIR-RS) as a new model to assess renal tolerance of contrast agents and determination of the effects of a prostacyclin analogue and of two phosphodiesterase inhibitors on renal tolerance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NIR-RS was used to measure total hemoglobin, oxygenated hemoglobin and tissue oxygen saturation in the renal cortex of rats and the effect of diatrizoate, iopromide and iotrolan injected at 1 g iodine/kg alone or together with the prostacyclin derivative, iloprost, or the phosphodiesterase inhibitors, rolipram and mesopram, on these parameters. RESULTS: Injection of the contrast media alone resulted in a 10% to 35% depression of total hemoglobin, oxygenated hemoglobin, and tissue oxygen saturation approximately 40 to 100 seconds after administration, whereas saline showed no effect and mannitol solution only a minor effect. Coadministration of iloprost or pretreatment with the phosphodiesterase inhibitors, rolipram or mesopram, significantly attenuated the contrast media-induced effects. CONCLUSION: NIR-RS might be useful for the determination of contrast media-induced side effects. Stable prostacyclin analogues or phosphodiesterase inhibitors have the potential to mitigate these side effects.