Contrast media and enzyme inhibition. I. Cholinesterase.

Cholinergic mechanisms, activated by the inhibition of the acetylcholine hydrolysing enzyme cholinesterase, may be responsible for many of the adverse effects of intravascular radiological contrast media. The relative cholinesterase-inhibiting activities of several conventional and new contrast media have been measured and significant differences are found. Some of the possible implications of these differences are discussed.