Effect of ionic and non-ionic contrast media on red cell deformability in vitro

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Hematology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Red blood cell (RBC) deformability is crucial for microcirculation.
• Ionic and non-ionic contrast media are used in medical imaging.
• Osmotic effects of contrast media on RBCs require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of ionic (diatrizoate, iocarmate, metrizoate) and non-ionic (metrizamide) contrast media, and hypertonic saline on red blood cell deformability.
• To quantify the relationship between osmolality and RBC rigidity.

Main Methods:

• Measuring the flow rate of 10% red cell suspension (VRBC) and plasma (Vplasma) through 5 micrometer Nucleopore sieves.
• Calculating the relative flow rate (Vrel = VRBC/Vplasma) to quantify RBC deformability.
• Comparing the effects of various contrast media and hypertonic saline solutions.

Main Results:

• Both contrast media solutions and hypertonic saline significantly decreased Vrel, indicating increased RBC rigidity.
• The reduction in RBC deformability was primarily attributed to the osmotic effect.
• Higher osmolality of the solutions correlated with a greater reduction in RBC deformability.
• Non-ionic metrizamide caused a smaller reduction in RBC deformability compared to ionic media at equivalent iodine concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Contrast media and hypertonic saline increase red blood cell rigidity, mainly due to osmotic effects.
• Osmolality is a key factor influencing the degree of reduced red blood cell deformability.
• Non-ionic contrast media may offer an advantage in preserving red blood cell function compared to ionic agents.