Acute effects of diuretics on potassium exchange, mechanical function and the action potential in rabbit myocardium.

1. We have studied the acute effects of frusemide, triamterene and amiloride on potassium exchange, the action potential and mechanical function of isolated rabbit myocardium. 2. Potassium exchange in the myocardium was unaltered by these diuretics. 3. Frusemide and amiloride did not affect the action potential of rabbit papillary muscles. Triamterene caused a transient shortening of the action potential. 4. Frusemide and triamterene did not alter myocardial mechanical function in rabbit papillary muscles or the interventricular septum. Amiloride caused a reduction of about 5% in developed tension in two out of three papillary muscles.