Intracellular electrolytes in cardiac and skeletal muscle in fatal digitalis intoxication.

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Abstract
Samples from cardiac and skeletal muscle were obtained immediately after death in a case of fatal digitalis intoxication. Intra- and extracellular electrolytes were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. No changes were found in extracellular electrolytes, and only modest changes were noted in skeletal muscle. In cardiac muscle profound electrolyte disturbances were recorded with an inward Na shift and an outward K shift. This signifies an extensive and early inhibition of the membrane ATPase in cardiac muscle and stresses the importance of immediate and vigorous treatment of intracellular electrolyte disturbances with a view to suppressing serious and potentially lethal arrhythmias.