Ventricular Arrhythmias and K⁺ Transfer during Myocardial Ischemia and Intervention with Procaine Amide, Insulin, or Glucose Solution

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Abstract

To assess the relation of ventricular arrhythmias to myocardial K+ movement during ischemia, we placed an electrode catheter in the left anterior descending coronary artery for thrombus production in intact anesthetized dogs. 85Kr injections distal to the thrombus permitted serial coronary blood flow measurements. Animals of Group I with a moderate flow reduction exhibited no arrhythmia or myocardial egress of K+. In Group II, marked flow reduction was accompanied by an injury potential and loss of K+ from the ischemic site, before and during ventricular tachycardia.

Authors

Timothy J. Regan, Maureen A. Harman, Patrick H. Lehan, William M. Burke, Henry A. Oldewurtel