EFFECT OF SANGUINARINE ON VENTRICULAR REFRACTORINESS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • letter
    • Vol. 29  (2) , 377-380
Abstract
The effect of the Na+K+ATPase inhibitor sanguinarine, derived from the root of Sanguinaria canadadensis, on the refractory period of the porcine ventricle was studied. Measurements of ventricular refractoriness and strength-interval curves were obtained before and after 0.5-4.0 mg/kg sanguinarine. The ventricular refractory period was prolonged at all doses studied from a control of 276 .+-. 12 ms to 318 .+-. 24 ms at 4.0 mg/kg (P < 0.01). The strength-interval curve was shifted to increased values for ventricular refractoriness from 0.5-16.0 mA. No depression of arterial pressure or left ventricular dp/dt [rate of pressure change] was observed. This study shows that sanguinarine prolongs ventricular refractoriness. This property may be useful in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias.