RESUMEN
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The neurologic safety of the new magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent gadobenate dimeglumine has been assessed in rats suffering from localized blood-brain barrier damage. METHODS: The adopted experimental model was the photochemically induced brain ischemia in the rat. Flash-evoked visual potentials were recorded simultaneously from the damaged area and from the corresponding contralateral position in conscious rats before and after the administration of the contrast medium. RESULTS: The intravenous administration of 0.9 mmol/kg of gadobenate dimeglumine did not induce any significant changes in the visual responses recorded from the ischemic side compared with the intact side. Rats treated with saline or with the reference compounds gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist) and gadoteridol (ProHance) gave comparable results. CONCLUSIONS: The results are in favor of the use of gadobenate dimeglumine in patients suffering from a localized damage to blood-brain barrier.