[The effect of the glycoside strophanthin K on the ultrastructure of the cardiomyocytes in the pro-oxidant zone of the myocardium in rats with experimental heart failure].

The effect of the cardiotonic strophanthin K on the ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes in the "pro-oxidant zone" in hypercatecholemia was studied in Wistar rats with experimental cardiac insufficiency (ECI). In ECI two differently directed processes, compensatory and degenerative, develop in the "pro-oxidant zone". After administration of strophanthin K the degenerative processes in the "pro-oxidant zone" increased: the number of degenerated cardiomyocytes was 41.9 +/- 1.4% in ECI and 85.35 +/- 3.4% after strophanthin administration (p > 0.99).