The antiarrhythmic effect of prostaglandin E2 on catecholamine-induced arrhythmias.

The antiarrhythmic effect of PGE2 as compared with the adrenergic beta-receptor blocking substance propranolol and the unspecific antiarrhythmic agent ajmaline was examanined on catecholamine-induced arrhythmias of the guinea-pig after preliminary sensibilisation by means of chloroform. Prophylactic administration of the tested substances resulted in a decrease in severity of arrhythmia by 91% after propranolol, by 37% after PGE2 and by 34% after ajmaline. Onset and duration of the arrhythmia were affected only to a negligible degree. The possible mode of action is still under discussion.