[Effect of x-ray contrast media on the vena cava endothelium of rats].

A study comparing the effects of diatrizoate, ioxitalamate, metrizamide, ioxaglate, iopamidol and a hyperosmotic sorbitol and sodium chloride solution on the endothelium of the vena cava of the rat was performed. In each case 1 ml. of the respective solution was injected intravenously. Endothelial damage was seen after injection of metrizamide, diatrizoate and ioxitalamate. After injection of ioxaglate only minor endothelial changes were observed, whereas after administration of both hyperosmotic solution no endothelial damage could be observed.