Effect of potassium on the process of ventricular recuperation

Abstract

The effect of potassium on the recuperaron proccss of the ventricle has been studied. Potassium injected into the . cavily produces effeets which are similar to those produced by acetylcholine. and different to those of a persistent hyperkalaemia. The effect is also to be observed after an atropine injection. When acetylcholine and potassium are injec­ ted simultaneously the effect obtained is superior to that of the addition of the effeets obtained separately.

The continuous injection of acetylcholine, when the effect of choline- csterasa is diminished, modifies the electrocardiógrafome in the same way as the intoxication through potassium.

Calcium does not avoid the effeets of potassium and acetylcholine.

The effeets of these substances are similar to those of cooling at the endocardium or heating at the epicardium.

The author interpret the afore mentioned effeets as due to a more durable dispolarisation in the sub-endocardial than in the sub-cpicardial layers. In relation to the aforesaid, the author suggest a hypothesis to explain the recuperation process in the ventricle.