Intravenous ionic contrast media cause local prostacyclin release in man.

The effect of intravenous administration of ionic contrast media on local release of prostacyclin (PGI2) was investigated in man. Iodamide and ioxaglate, high- and low-osmolality contrast media, respectively, both significantly increased PGI2 levels at the site of injection. Iodamide was the most active, whereas an identical volume of isotonic saline had no effect. This study suggests that local formation of PGI2 may adequately reflect the degree of endothelial irritation that is caused by contrast media and that depends in part on their osmolality.