Digoxin-induced cardiac toxicity in the anaesthetized guinea-pigs and effect of heparin infusion.
We have examined the effects of heparin infusion on the arrhythmias induced by digoxin. Digoxin treatment consisted of 0.6 mg kg-1 given i.v. 15 min after the beginning of heparin infusion. Heparin infusions (1.7 IU, 3.4 IU and 6.8 IU kg-1 min-1) were begun 15 min before digoxin injection and continued for another 30 min. ECG, blood pressure, heart rate and arrhythmias were recorded starting 15 min before and continuing for 60 min after the digoxin injection. Heparin at the infusion rates of 3.4 IU and 6.8 IU kg-1.min-1 reduced significantly the arrhythmia scores. On the other hand, heparin did not significantly alter the arterial blood pressure and heart rate values affected by digoxin.
Kanzik
I
I
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
Cakici
I
I
Demiryürek
A T
AT
Abacioğlu
N
N
Dörtlemez
H
H
D000818:Animals; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004077:Digoxin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000633:toxicity*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male
D004077:Digoxin; D006493:Heparin