Contrast Media Induced Serotonin Release in Human Blood

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Several contrast media were tested for their ability to release serotonin from whole blood. Renografin-60, Hypaque M-75, Vascoray and Conray were incubated with human blood at 37.degree. C for 60 min. Platelet-poor plasma was analyzed for serotonin using a high performance liquid chromatographic technique. Seven non-ionic contrast media were similarly incubated and serotonin levels determined. Ionic contrast media induced a greater release of serotonin compared with non-ionic ones. The amount of serotonin was not proportional to iodine concentration in blood. Apparently, hypertonic solutions of contrast media produce a physical injury to platelets causing them to release their granular contents.