Leucotriene B4 and peptido-leucotriene levels during radiographic contrast media infusion

The pathogenic mechanisms of radiographic contrast media (CM) reactions are still not well understood. Recently it has been proposed that leukotrienes (LT) may be involved in CM reactions. We measured plasma LTB4 and peptido-LT levels in 20 subjects undergoing urography with 2 low osmolality CM (ioxaglate and iopamidol) in order to elucidate if CM infusion determines LT release in plasma. LTB4 and peptido-LT did not change significantly during infusion of the 2 CM. Blood pressure, heart rate, and the number of circulating granulocytes were not affected by CM infusions, further evidence that LT release did not occur. We conclude therefore that LT are not released during infusion with the CM studied.