Influence of radiographic contrast media on granulocyte enzymes and complement during uncomplicated urographies.

Four different radiographic contrast media (RCM) were used for i.v. urography in 40 patients, none of whom had complications. No rise in C3d was observed for any of the RCM, indicating that complement was not activated. However, significantly decreased values for CH50 were detected when the non-ionic RCM iopamidol and iohexol were used, and this may be due to interaction between the RCM and the complement molecules. Significantly increased numbers of neutrophils were observed in patients receiving ioxaglate, iohexol and diatrizoate, which may be due to inhibition of granulocyte adherence. No rise in the concentration of elastase and lactoferrin was observed. On the other hand, significantly decreased values of elastase were seen after injection of diatrizoate, which may be due to inhibition of the degranulation process by this media.