Influence of contrast media on single nephron glomerular filtration rate in rat kidney. A comparison between diatrizoate, iohexol, ioxaglate, and iotrolan.

The effects of slow (10 min) i.v. infusions of contrast media (CM, 1,600 mg I/kg b.w.) on single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) in the rat kidney were investigated using a micropuncture technique. Diatrizoate, iohexol, or ioxaglate did not change SNGFR, although a tendency towards a transient suppression was seen during the infusion phase. Iotrolan infusion, however, decreased SNGFR (p < 0.05) and the value still remained below the control value 25 min after the start of infusion. Iotrolan is a nonionic dimeric CM and has a lower osmotic effect in the tubules than the ionic dimeric CM and the monomeric CM when given in iodine equivalent doses. These characteristics of iotrolan have probably some influence on the depression of SNGFR after iotrolan injection.