[Comparative study of antiarrhythmic properties of quinicine versus quinidine (author's transl)].

Quinicine, an isomer of quinidine is used for its cerebral vasodilating activity. This study was performed in order to find out if quinicine also behaves like an antiarrhythmic agent in animals. The preventive and curative actions of quinicine on the experimental ouabain induced arrhythmia have been demonstrated. The mechanism of action of this drug seems to be the same as quinidine, i.e. prolongation of refractory period, diminution of atrial and atrioventricular conduction velocities, anticholinergic and local anaesthesic properties. The quinuclidic ring is therefore not a major factor to assure the antiarrhythmic activity of quinquina alkaloids.