Effect of magnetic resonance exposure combined with gadopentetate dimeglumine on chromosomes in animal specimens

Rationale and Objectives.: We tested for the presence of a form of unstable chromosomal damage-anaphase bridges-that might result from the combined exposure to gadopentetate dimeglumine and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in rats. Methods.: Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats, along with appropriate controls, were exposed either to MR imaging alone, gadopentetate dimeglumine alone, or a combination of the two. After exposure, partial hepatectomies were performed to induce a vigorous mitotic response in the regenerating liver stump. Twenty-eight to 30 hr after partial hepatectomy, tissue specimens from regenerating liver were removed and analyzed microscopically for the presence of anaphase bridges. Results.: No anaphase bridges were detected in any of the animals, including those exposed to gadopentetate dimeglumine and MR imaging. Conclusion.: Using anaphase bridge formation as an indicator, exposure to MR imaging alone, gadopentetate dimeglumine alone, or a combination of the two under the conditions used in this experiment did not cause detectable unstable chromosomal damage.