Hemodynamic effect of iopromide in pancreas-duodenum transplanted rats.

BACKGROUND: Radiological contrast media (CM) have been suggested to be able to impair pancreatic microcirculation, especially in acute pancreatitis. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of the low-osmolar CM iopromide on total pancreatic and especially islet blood perfusion after whole pancreas transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats receiving a pancreas-duodenum transplantation 2 days earlier, i.e., with graft pancreatitis, were injected with iopromide. Blood perfusion measurements were then made with a microsphere technique. RESULTS: The graft blood perfusion was decreased in control rats when compared to the endogenous pancreas. Administration of iopromide increased both total pancreatic and islet blood perfusion in the grafted pancreas, but not in the endogenous gland. No effects on blood perfusion to either the native or transplanted duodenum were seen after iopromide administration. CONCLUSION: Iopromide increases the blood perfusion of a whole pancreas transplant 2 days after implantation, i.e., when graft pancreatitis is present. The consequences of this CM-induced hyperperfusion for graft pancreatic function remain to be established.Key words: Intravascular contrast media; islet blood perfusion; graft pancreatitis;pancreas transplantation; pancreatic blood perfusion

Radiological contrast media and pancreatic blood perfusion in anesthetized rats.

BACKGROUND: Radiological contrast media (CM) have been suggested to be able to impair pancreatic microcirculation. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of an iso-osmolar (iodixanol, 290 mOsm/kg H2O) and a low-osmolar (iopromide, 660 mOsm/kg H2O) CM on total pancreatic and islet blood perfusion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thiobutabarbital-anesthetized rats were injected with iodine equivalent doses (600 mg I/kg body weight) of iodixanol or iopromide. Saline or low-osmolar mannitol (660 mOsm/kg H2O) solutions served as control substances. Blood perfusion measurements were then carried out with a microsphere technique. RESULTS: Iso-osmolar iodixanol had no effects on blood perfusion. Low-osmolar iopromide increased total pancreatic blood perfusion, whereas islet blood perfusion was unchanged. No differences were seen when mannitol solutions were given. CONCLUSION: Neither an iso-osmolar nor a low-osmolar CM affected pancreatic islet blood perfusion, whereas the low-osmolar CM increased total pancreatic blood perfusion. The absence of hemodynamic effect of low-osmolar mannitol suggests that the hyperosmolality per se of iopromide versus iodixanol does not induce the hemodynamic effect. The consequences of the effect of iopromide for pancreatic function remain to be established.