Effects of aconitine and veratrine on the isolated perfused heart of the common eel (Anguilla anguilla L.).

The effects of two alkaloids: aconitine and veratrine have been investigated in isolated perfused heart of the common eel (Anguilla anguilla L.). Low concentrations (less than 10(-6)M) of aconitine induced a decrease of the heart rate where high concentrations (greater than 10(-6)M) produced a tachycardia and finally led to a depolarization of cardiac cells. Veratrine induced a decrease of the heart rate depending on the concentration. A cardiac arrest was observed with high concentrations (greater than 10(-4)M). Removal of aconitine or veratrine from perfusion medium did not reverse the effects of high concentrations. The tachycardia and arrhythmias were triggered or enhanced.