[Role of inflammation mediators in the etiology of hypersensitivity to strophanthin in various experimental heart diseases].

Effects of histamine and serotonin on strophanthine cardiotoxicity were examined in experiments on 312 cats. It was shown that inflammation mediators exert sympathomimetic action on the myocardium and potentiate strophanthine cardiotoxicity. These effects can be prevented by premedication with the beta-blocker alprenolol, antihistaminic, steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. It was disclosed that premedication with diphenhydramine, analgin and hydrocortisone might correct strophanthine tolerance decreased as a result of coronary artery occlusion. The conclusion is made that inflammation mediators play a role in the genesis of strophanthine hypersensitivity in experimental myocardial infarction.