[Asymmetric responses of epicardial and endocardial fibers of the dog atrium to cholinergic effects].

The ACh shortened the AP in canine epicardial and endocardial cells, the effect being more obvious in the latter. The findings suggest that 4-aminophyridine-sensitive transient outward current is expressed in canine atrial epicardial and endocardial cells, that the ACh exerts direct effects on epicardial and endocardial AP duration, that differential responses of epicardial and endocardial AP duration to the ACh may alter the gradient of repolarisation across the atrial wall and contribute to the vagus-indoced atrial flutter and fibrillation.

[Proxodolol--a new beta- and alpha-adrenoblockader].

The beta- and alpha-adrenoceptor blocking activity, the specificity of its beta-adrenoceptor blocking action, partial agonistic and membrane-stabilizing properties, as well as antihypertensive, antiarrhythmic, and anti-ischemic effects were studied. Proxodolol was shown to be superior to labetalol in its beta-adrenoceptor blocking action and similar to it in its alpha-adrenoceptor blocking agent. The drug has no a partial agonistic activity and produces a moderate membrane-stabilizing action.

[The modulation of anomalous automatism in ischemic Purkinje fibers by a specific subclass of alpha 1-adrenoblockers].

In the present study, the authors used two specific blockers of alpha 1-adrenergic receptor subtypes (chloroethyclonidine and WB-4101) to determine the mechanisms responsible for automatic rhythm occurring during simulated ischemia and reperfusion of isolated canine Purkinje fibers. In the control situation, all fibers showed membrane potentials greater than -90 mV and normal automatic rhythm. During simulated ischemia, the membrane potential depolarized to the -60 mV range.

[Effects of ethmozine on ventricular fibrillation threshold in acute occlusion of the coronary artery in dogs].

In experiments on dogs with acute left descending coronary artery occlusion, ethmozine (3 mg/kg) was tested for effects on the threshold of ventricular fibrillation occurring as a result of high-frequency electric stimulation. Two hours after occlusion, the fibrillation threshold became significantly lower than the control values. Ethmozine used in this period enhanced the ventricular fibrillation threshold in some experiments and diminished it in the others.