The effect of verapamil on halothane-epinephrine or digitalis-induced ventricular dysrhythmias in dogs.

The effect of verapamil on ventricular dysrhythmias was evaluated using two canine models. In one model, ventricular dysrhythmias were induced by 1% halothane-epinephrine (1.5 approximately 30 micro g/kg/min.) in 20 dogs (Group I). In the other model, ventricular dysrhythmias were induced by digoxin (0.1 approximately 0.2 mg/kg) in 27 dogs (Group II). Verapamil (0.2 approximately 0.5 mg/kg) was given to treat these ventricular dysrhythmias. When verapamil was ineffective, lidocaine (1 approximately 2 mg/kg) was given following the administration of verapamil. In 7 dogs of group II, lidocaine alone was given. Verapamil was effective in 16 animals of group I, and in 10 animals of group II. Lidocaine was ineffective in the remaining 4 of group I, whereas effective in the remaining 17, including those given lidocaine alone of group II. From these findings, it was inferred that Ca(2+) dependent abnormal automaticity and/or re-entry may be more closely related to the genesis of halothane-epinephrine-induced ventricular dysrhythmias refractory to lidocaine, whereas triggered activity may be more closely related to that of digitalis-induced ventricular dysrhythmias. In conclusion, verapamil was more effective against halothane-epinephrine-induced ventricular dysrhythmias than against digitalis-induced ventricular dysrhythmias.