Conditioned Taste Aversion in Rats following Intrathecal Administration of Contrast Media

Abstract

Purpose: The occurrence of side-effects such as visceral malaise after intrathecal administration of the non-ionic radiography contrast media iomeprol, iopamidol, and iotrolan was assessed in rats by the conditioned taste aversion procedure. Methods: Reduced preference towards a saccharose solution compared with normal water following intraventricular administration of a contrast medium was used as a measure of the aversive response. Results: At a dose of 100 mg I/kg none of the tested contrast media induced aversion. At 200 and 300 mg I/kg, both iopamidol and iomeprol induced significant aversive responses with respect to control, although the response of the iomeprol group appeared milder than that of the iopamidol group at a dose of 200 mg I/kg. Iotrolan could be tested only at the lowest dose since the high doses caused excessive mortality. Conclusion: Intrathecally administered iomeprol appeared to be well tolerated in rats at doses higher than those suggested for clinical use.