Effects of a purified scorpion toxin (tityustoxin) on the isolated guinea pig heart.

To study the cardiac effects induced by purified scorpion toxin (tityustoxin, TsTX), without circulatory and respiratory influences, isolated guinea pig hearts were used. Single injections of 10, 20 or 30 micrograms TsTX induced positive inotropic and chronotropic effects in the majority of the experiments. The inotropic effects were dose-dependent. Simultaneous recording of the electrical activity of the heart showed sinus tachycardia, T wave inversion and ST segment deviations. Sinus bradycardia and/or A-V block were recorded in some experiments, simultaneously with the positive inotropic effects. After these initial events, the larger dose of TsTX elicited periodic changes of heart rate (in 70% of the experiments) which were explained by wandering pacemakers. During these periodic changes in heart rate, the electrocardiogram showed sinus bradycardia, idioventricular rhythm, complete or partial A-V block, sinus tachycardia, sinus arrest and junctional rhythm. The coronary flow varied inversely with the inotropism and the cardiac rate, but the changes in flow were related mainly to the inotropism. The effects of TsTX on the electrocardiogram, inotropism and coronary flow spontaneously disappeared 15-20 min after toxin injection. The arrhythmias induced by TsTX were blocked either by propranolol or by atropine and are assumed to be due to the release of catecholamines and acetylcholine from postganglionic nerve fibers in the heart.