ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE TRACHEAL EPITHELIUM IN RABBITS (ORYCTOLAGUS-CUNICULUS VAR EDULIS) AFTER INTRATRACHEAL ADMINISTRATION OF 2 IODINATED CONTRAST AGENTS

The ultrastructure of the tracheal epithelium was studied after intrat racheal administration of two contrast agents - iopamidol (Iopamiro) a nd iohexol (Omnipaque)- used in clinical practice for tracheobronchogr aphy. The injury of the tracheal epithelium due to the iopamidol and i ohexol administration was classified as mild and moderate, respectivel y. In both experimental groups bacteria and inspissated mucus were rev ealed in the area of the impaired ciliary border as morphological sign s of the impairment of the self-cleaning ability. The uneven distribut ion of the contrast media particles were encountered in the airways. I n the areas of its highest accumulation the disturbances of the cell m embranes and the impairment of the inner structure of the cilia were r ecorded.