title: Effect of propranolol on ventricular repolarization and refractoriness: role of beta-blockade versus direct membrane effects.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to define the role of beta-adrenergic blockade and direct membrane effects in the ability of dl-propranolol to alter ventricular repolarization and refractoriness in the intact heart. The effective refractory period (ERP) and the local Q-T interval were measured at an epicardial site in the left ventricle in 14 open-chest dogs anesthetized with alpha-chloralose. Beta-adrenergic influences were eliminated in seven dogs (group 1) by stellate transection and nadolol (0.5 mg/kg IV), and enhanced in seven dogs (group 2) by stellate transection and stimulation of the left ansae subclavia. Each dog received an initial beta-blocking dose of propranolol (0.5 mg/kg) followed by a second, cumulative dose of 5.0 mg/kg. In group 1 dogs, there was no significant change in either the ERP or local Q-T interval in response to the first dose of propranolol. In group 2 dogs, left stellate stimulation significantly shortened the ERP (20 +/- 2 msec) and the local Q-T interval (17 +/- 4 msec). The first dose of propranolol prolonged these parameters to values not different from prestimulation control values. There was no change in the H-V interval, QRS complex duration, or diastolic threshold (DT) in either group after the initial propranolol dose. The second dose of propranolol significantly shortened the ERP (5 +/- 1 msec) and the local Q-T interval (11 +/- 2 msec) in both groups. This dose also significantly increased the DT, H-V interval, and QRS complex duration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois 60153.
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Euler
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Scanlon
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000187:drug effects; D008566:Membranes / Q000187:drug effects; D009467:Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents; D011433:Propranolol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012032:Refractory Period, Electrophysiological / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D009467:Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents; D011433:Propranolol