The use of theophylline, an adenosine antagonist in the prevention of contrast media induced nephrotoxicity

Impaired renal perfusion has been implicated in the pathogenesis of contrast media (CM) induced nephrotoxicity (El-Sayed et al, 1991). Animal and, more recently, clinical studies have suggested that endogenous adenosine may mediate the renal haemodynamic response to intravascular CM (Arend et al, 1987; Katholi et al, 1991).