Effects of Diatrizoate and Iopamidol on Spermatogenesis

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The biological effects of iodinated contrast media were examined by using spermatogenesis in mouse testis as the experimental model. METHODS: Spermhead survival and abnormality assays were used as the biological end points. Diatrizoate meglumine/diatrizoate sodium and iopamidol were administered intravenously at equal rates and concentrations. Testicular uptake and clearance of these contrast agents were examined by high-performance liquid chromatography techniques. Appropriate mannitol solutions were employed as osmolality controls. RESULTS: Intravenous administration of the contrast agent or its respective mannitol control resulted in approximately a 30% decrease in spermhead count. A dose-related experiment with mannitol demonstrated that the spermhead count decreased rapidly until 600 mOsm/kg was reached, beyond which this decrease was minimal. Clearance of both contrast media was complete in approximately 4 hours. No significant increase in the induction of spermhead abnormalities was observed. CONCLUSION: Osmotic substances, such as iodinated contrast agents, affect the process of spermatogenesis.