Uninephrectomy does not potentiate contrast media nephrotoxicity in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat

We studied the effect of radiographic contrast media on renal function in both streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and normoglycemic rats with reduced renal functional mass. Male Sprague-Dawley induced-diabetic rats and weight-matched controls were divided into unilaterally nephrectomized and intact groups prior to an intravenous challenge with sodium diatrizoate (Urografin) at two dose levels, 1,300 and 2,600 mg iodine/kg. Serum creatinine concentration did not change on the 1st and 3rd day after a dose of 1,300 mg/kg of iodine in normal or induced-diabetic rats. Consequent to a dose of 2,600 mg/kg of iodine, induced-diabetic rats had a significant increase in serum creatinine levels to 0.9 +/- 0.45 mg/dl (control 0.68 +/- 0.11 mg/dl). The observed increase in serum creatinine concentration after treatment with sodium diatrizoate was significantly correlated with the degree of hyperglycemia, but not with prior unilateral nephrectomy. Unilateral nephrectomy, prior to administration of sodium diatrizoate did not potentiate the risk of radiocontrast agent injury in induced-diabetic rats. From these findings, we infer that: (1) streptozotocin-induced diabetes in the rat confers a risk for the development of radiocontrast-induced acute renal failure and (2) as judged by the rise in serum creatinine concentration after exposure, there is an increased risk of acute renal failure associated with a higher dose of radiocontrast material.