Effect of meglumine metrizoate and metrizamide on the microcirculation. Animal experiments.

Physiologic saline, meglumine metrizoate (Isopaque) and metrizamide (Amipaque) were injected into the ear artery of Wedder rabbits. The effect on the microcirculation in previously inserted ear chambers was recorded by cinematography. Following injection of the contrast media, the circulation was slow, followed by a phase with arteriolo-venular shunting and poor capillary circulation.