Effects on the ATP content of cultured cells after radiographic contrast media exposure. Evidence for accumulation of contrast media in cultured cells.

The ATP content of cultured cells after exposure to meglumine-calcium metrizoate, sodium metrizoate, iohexol, iopamidol and saline was studied. Initially, the ATP content diminished rapidly for a short period and thereafter slowly during the incubation. After incubation with contrast media or saline, the ATP content slowly increased to normal when the cells were reincubated with fresh nutrient medium. Different contrast media and saline with the same final osmolality produced a similar effect on the ATP content of the cultured cells. Cellular association of meglumine-sodium diatrizoate, sodium metrizoate, sodium-iothalamate, iohexol and iopamidol was also examined. The established cell line NHIK 3025 as well as primary cultures of human umbilical endothelium were found to accumulate contrast media in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. When the incubation was carried out at 4 degrees C, the cellular accumulation of contrast medium was less than 35 per cent of that seen at 37 degrees C. It therefore seems that energy-dependent processes are involved to some degree.