Effects of Trichothecenes on Cardiac Cell Electrical Function
Abstract
Exposure to relatively small amounts of trichothecenes causes sudden death in humans and experimental animals. Prior to death, heart function becomes abnormal. Therefore, trichothecenes may have lethal effects on cardiac cells or on the nerves in the heart. This project determined how trichothecenes affect neural control of the circulation. Phase I addressed the effects of T-2 toxin and roridin-A (macrocylic trichothecene) on heart cell electrophysiology in isolated, arterially perfused tissues from dog hearts. Cells in the sinus node pacemaker, atrial wall, atrioventricular node, artioventricular bundle, false tendons, and ventricular wall were impaled with microelectrodes during arterial perfusion of each toxin to assess changes in rate of beating, conduction velocity, and action potential morphology. Effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves during toxin perfusion were revealed by blocking their receptors with proranolol and atropine, toxin perfusion were revealed by blocking their receptors with proranolol and atropine, respectively. In Phase II the same toxins were perfused while the heart remained in the chest with its nerves and vessels intact and with unipolar electrodes attached. In Phase III, the role of the heart in the cardiovascular system response to trichothecenes was assessed with the techniques used in Phase II along with arterial and venous pressure measurements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 16, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA185949
Entities
People
- W. T. Woods Jr.
Organizations
- University of Alabama