Effect of three non-ionic contrast media on rats and rabbits with regard to renal changes. Interspecies comparison.

The effect of three non-ionic contrast media (iosimide, iopamidol and iopromide) was investigated in rabbits and rats after single i.v. application up to high doses with regard to renal changes. Determinations of serum urea nitrogen and creatinine and urinary enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase) as well as histological examinations of the kidneys were performed. The results obtained demonstrate that rabbit as an experimental animal was more sensitive than rat in exhibiting renal changes to contrast media. Furthermore, determinations of urinary enzymes demonstrated that gamma-GT in rabbits and LDH in rats were the most sensitive indicators for detection of early kidney damage. With regard to the high dose levels required, these kidney changes do not indicate any risk to humans at diagnostic dose levels.