[The effect of diatrizoate (Angiografin) on the aortic endothelium of rats (author's transl)].

The damaging effect of methylglucamine diatrizoate on the aortic endothelium is tested and compared to the action of a 22% sorbit solution both with the same hypertonicity. In the first group the contrast medium is injected into the aorta once. In a second group three consecutive injections 5 minutes apart are performed. Aortic specimens are investigated by the "Häutchen" method. The degree of endothelial lesion due to contrast medium is direct proportional to the rate of proliferation of endothelial cells as analized by autoradiography. The damage to the aortic endothelium is independent of number of injections (once or three times). The sorbit solution caused no injury to the aortic endothelium. A generalized endothelial damage--as it is seen in shock--could be excluded.