title: Cardiotoxicity of a new inotrope/vasodilator drug (SK&F 94120) in the dog.
abstract: The cardiotoxicity and haemodynamic changes induced by IV administration of high doses of SK&F 94120, a novel positive inotrope/vasodilator, were studied in the dog. Inotropism was observed at a dose of 0.375 mg/kg. Mean blood pressure was reduced in a dose-related manner, reaching a nadir of 43.7 mm Hg at 24 mg/kg. Heart rate was increased at doses of 1.5 mg/kg and above. ECG examination revealed a shortening of PR interval and an increase in T-wave amplitude. At doses of 15 mg/kg and above, occasional AV dissociation with accrochage were sometimes seen shortly after the start of the infusion. Ventricular extrasystoles were only seen at doses of 120 mg/kg and above. A dose-related increase in severity and incidence of haemorrhages, deposition of haemosiderin and fibroplasia were seen in the left ventricular endocardium and atrioventricular valves at doses of 15 mg/kg and above. Focal myocardial necrosis, predominantly of the left ventricular papillary muscle, and mild periarteritis of medium-sized extramural arteries, mostly in the right atrium, were seen at doses of 45 mg/kg and above. Intimal proliferation of intra- and extramural coronary vessels was observed. A necrotising peri/panarteritis of these arteries was noted at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. The cardiotoxicity observed was considered to be due to the exaggerated pharmacologic effects seen at these high dose levels.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*; D011719:Pyrazines / Q000633:toxicity*; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D013997:Time Factors; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D011719:Pyrazines; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; C048350:5-(4-acetamidophenyl)pyrazin-2(1H)-one