Antiarrhythmic effects of L-penbutolol and DL-propranolol. Comparison of the effects of these two drugs on conductivity and excitability in canine heart in vivo.

The effects of l-penbutolol and dl-propranolol on A-V conduction, on excitability of ventricular muscle, and on ventricular tachycardia threshold in acute ischemia were compared, using anesthetized dogs. 1. L-penbutolol (100 microgram/Kg) and dl-propranolol (100 microgram/Kg) prolonged A-V conduction and reduced excitability of ventricular muscle significantly. L-penbutolol less prolonged A-V conduction than dl-propranolol. 2. Both l-penbutolol (50 microgram/Kg) and dl-propranolol (50 microgram/Kg) significantly prevented the lowering of ventricular tachycardia threshold in acute ischemia. These beta-blocking drugs are effective in the treatment of arrhythmia and l-penbutolol could be used safely, because of its weaker inhibition on A-V conduction.