[Changes in the myocardium damaged by strophanthin].

The mechanism of intoxication, produced with strophanthin (10 mg/kg) has been studied in myocardium of white rats. Area, perimeter and factor of form in mitochondria, ratio of the mitochondrial surface area with injured external membranes to the whole mitochondrial area, agranular sarcoplasmic network and T-system area, changes in myofilaments, Z-lines, length of sarcomeres have been estimated. Changes in succinate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and in reduced forms of nicotinamide coenzymes activity has been investigated histochemically. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) prevents appearance of ultrastructural and histochemical disturbances, produced with strophanthin. However, the protective effect of ATP is not sufficient. Adenosine monophosphate, penetrating across the cell membrane, is supposed to produce a greater curative effect.