Rate and concentration-dependent effects of UK-68,798, a potent new class III antiarrhythmic, on canine Purkinje fibre action potential duration and Vmax.

1. The frequency-dependent electrophysiological effects of UK-68,798 in concentrations of 1, 3, 10 and 30 nM were examined in isolated cardiac Purkinje fibres of the dog at both a number of constant rates of stimulation and following abrupt changes in pacing cycle length. 2. In all concentrations evaluated, UK-68,798 lengthened action potential duration in a concentration- and rate-dependent manner (e.g., at a cycle length = 500 ms, control APD90 = 234.0 +/- 3.3 ms, while after 10 nM UK-68,798, APD90 = 315.0 +/- 5.9 ms). 3. The duration of action potentials evoked following abrupt changes in pacing rate were also increased in a concentration-dependent manner at all diastolic intervals tested. 4. The fast and slow time constants for restitution of APD were not altered by UK-68,798. However, the amplitude terms for this relation were increased. 5. In addition, the maximum upstroke velocity (Vmax) was not significantly affected by exposure to UK-68,798 at any concentration or diastolic interval. The kinetics for recovery of Vmax were thus unaffected. 6. These findings are similar to those previously reported for recognized class III antiarrhythmic agents (e.g., bretylium, clofilium, and sotalol); however, UK-68,798 was 1,000 to 10,000 times more potent. 7. The combined potency and selectivity of this agent seem to make it an ideal tool for the investigation of cardiac potassium channels believed responsible for controlling the duration of the action potential. 8. This potent and highly selective compound may prove extremely useful in the control of cardiac arrhythmias.