Effect of Reserpine on 22 Na and 42 K Exchange in the Cat Papillary Muscle 1 2

Abstract

Summary

Reserpine pretreatment (1 mg/kg) given either 4 or 24 hr prior to the experiment did not affect the transmembrane exchange of Na and K in cat papillary muscles. In addition, changes occurring in Na, K, and H₂O content of the muscle were not influenced by reserpine. Since it is known that quinidine causes changes in Na and K exchange and in the total Na and K content of cardiac muscle, it is unlikely that the action of reserpine to antagonize digitalis-induced ventricular arrhythmias is related to a quinidine-like effect on cardiac muscle.