Prostigmine Inhibition of Ventricular Fibrillation in the Hypothermic Dog

Abstract

This study shows that when prostigmine is given via coronary perfusion in the hypothermic dog, cardiac surgery can be performed without ventricular fibrillation resulting. This action of prostigmine seems to be due to an accumulation of acetylcholine, since prostigmine's antifibrillatory action can be reproduced by a continuous coronary perfusion of acetylcholine or by stimulation of the vagus nerve. A possible relationship between potassium and ventricular fibrillation is discussed.