Electrophysiological effects of melperone on isolated rabbit heart muscles.

1. Electrophysiological effects of melperone on isolated atrial and ventricular muscle preparations of the rabbit were studied by a conventional microelectrode technique. 2. Melperone (3.3 microM) prolonged the action potential duration and effective refractory period of the atrial preparations without affecting the maximum rate of depolarization (Vmax). These effects of melperone on action potential duration and effective refractory period were inhibited by a low potassium perfusate (2.7 mM). 3. A high concentration of melperone (16.6 microM) decreased Vmax of atrial preparations. In ventricular muscles, melperone at either concentration decreased Vmax, although the increase in action potential duration was greater than in the atrium. 4. Depression of Vmax of ventricular muscles by melperone was found to be augmented by an increase of stimulation frequency and drug concentration. 5. The rate of onset of rate-dependent block of Vmax in ventricle was increased with drug concentration and frequency of stimulation. However, the time constant of recovery from rate-dependent block was almost constant. The kinetics of rate-dependent block of Vmax by melperone were approximately similar to those of quinidine and disopyramide. Consequently it is concluded that melperone possesses class 1a antiarrhythmic activity as well as class 3 activity.