Effect of albumin on the electrophysiologic stability of isolated perfused rabbit hearts.
The electrophysiologic stability of isolated perfused rabbit hearts was evaluated over a period of 5 h. Hearts perfused with protein-free buffer deteriorated over time, with significant shortening of the ventricular effective refractory period (ERP) and development of ventricular fibrillation. When serum albumin (6.01 x 10(-4) mM) was added to the perfusate, hearts were more stable, the ventricular ERPs remained relatively constant throughout the 5-h perfusion period, and hearts did not fibrillate. When a fatty acid-free protein source was used, the hearts demonstrated similar stability to those perfused with protein containing fatty acids. Despite marked changes in the refractory periods of hearts perfused with protein-free buffer, the QRS interval did not change over time, indicating that this is a very insensitive parameter for monitoring the electrophysiologic stability of isolated perfused hearts. In studies utilizing isolated hearts to evaluate antiarrhythmic drug effects, it is preferable to use a protein-containing buffer.
Kates
R E
RE
Cardiology Division, Falk Cardiovascular Research Center, Stanford University Medical Center, California 94305.
Yee
Y G
YG
Hill
I
I
D000418:Albumins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism; D010477:Perfusion; D011817:Rabbits
D000418:Albumins; D002118:Calcium