Diazepam, alpha and beta neurotransmission modifying drugs and contrast media mortality in mice

Drugs influencing neurotransmission (alpha 1,2, beta 1,2 agonists, antagonists and diazepam) were given intraperitoneally to test their effects on the mortality of intravenous meglumine diatrizoate. Pretreatment with diazepam in two doses (0.14 and 0.56 mg/kg), alpha 1,2 agonist, beta 1 agonist and beta 1 antagonist affected LD50 so that 5 to 9 per cent more contrast medium could be administered to cause the same mortality as the contrast medium alone. Still higher (19-24%) doses could be used after an alpha 1,2 or alpha 1 antagonist. The beta 1,2 antagonist employed in the test decreased the contrast dosage by 13 per cent, causing the LD50.