Chun Xing Li, Z. Kan, D. Yang
Nov 1, 1994
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Journal
Investigative Radiology
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES.To prepare and characterize a new particulate contrast medium, cyclic carbonate of ioxilan (IX-C) particles, as a macrophage imaging agent for computed tomography (CT) enhancement of the liver. METHODS.Cyclic carbonate of ioxilan was synthesized from ioxilan, a nonionic water-soluble contrast agent. The IX-C particles prepared by a solvent extraction-evaporation method were characterized by size distribution, degradability, suspension stability, and median lethal dose. Pharmacokinetics of IXC particles and their effectiveness in enhancing liver attenuation and in detecting hepatic tumors were evaluated using normal and VX2-tumor-bearing rabbits. RESULTS.The IX-C particles were biodegradable, with ioxilan and carbon dioxide as the degradation products. The particles had an average size of 1 to 2 /im and were stable in saline suspension. The median lethal dose determined for IX-C particles was 2.6 and 3.1 g/kg body weight for female and male rabbits, respectively. A dose of 200 mg iodine/kg body weight caused an increase of 38 Hounsfield units in liver attenuation. In rabbits, hepatic clearance of the contrast medium occurred in 2 days. A tumor barely visible in precontrast scans could be detected after contrast injection. CONCLUSIONS.Development of particulate contrast medium from nonionic contrast agents represents a new approach. Ioxilan carbonate particles have suitable physicochemical properties that warrant further studies before clinical evaluation.