Investigation of the alterations in cellular electrophysiology underlying ventricular arrhythmia in dogs with the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

Abstract

Background: Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)-specific cellular electrophysiological changes have so far not been reported and it seemed unlikely that they were related to arrhythmogenesis.

Methods and results: Twelve dogs, weight 12 +/- 2 kg, were divided into a control group (n = 6) and an MODS group (n = 6). MODS lasting for 72 h was induced by the 'two-hit' method in 6 dogs. Ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated. Early afterdepolarizations (EADs), action potential duration (APD) and L-type calcium currents (ICa,L) were assessed. Sinus arrhythmias in all MODS dogs (100%; 6 of 6) and premature ventricular beats in 4 MODS dogs (66%; 4 of 6) were recorded, while no arrhythmias were found in the control animals. The prolongation of the APD was associated with a decreased ICa,L, and frequently provoked EADs were the typical electrophysiological alterations in the myocytes of MODS dogs. The action potential prolongation was shortened, the ICa,L blocked and EAD suppressed by using verapamil (100 micromol/l) in the myocytes of MODS dogs (66%; 4 of 6).

Conclusion: The changes in cellular electrophysiology within 72 h in the heart of MODS dogs are APD prolongation, markedly decreased ICa,L as well as frequently provoked EAD, the most common types of arrhythmia being sinus arrhythmia and premature ventricular beats. This study suggests that verapamil appears to be an effective agent in reversing alterations in cellular electrophysiology at the early stage of MODS.