Effect of changes of temperature on the myocardium on the process of ventricular recuperation

Abstract

By direct derivations has been studied the process of ventricular recu­peration when changes of temperature at the epicardio and the endo­ cardio surfaces are induced.

Ccoling retards the recuperation process, whilst heating accelerates same, these effects being appreciated through the variations of wave T. The direction- of wave T in any derivation is conditioned by the difference in the recuperation speed of the subendocardic and subepicardic layers.

These effects are not due to vascular action, but to the direct action of cold or lifeat en he ventricular musdle, the changes being also observed at zones of infarct provoked by electric coagulation or by ligature. The action of temperature changes is explained as due to the modifications of speed in the metabolic process which influenced repolarisation.