Cardiac Effects of Isoproterenol, Norepinephrine and Epinephrine in Complete A-V Heart Block During Experimental Acidosis and Hyperkalemia

Abstract

Acidosis was found to diminish the effectiveness of various sympathomimetic amines (isoproterenol, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) in increasing the idioventricular rate in dogs with experimentally induced complete A-V heart block. This diminution was correlated with the degree of acidosis (metabolic and respiratory). Hyperkalemia without significant pH change had no such effect.