Abstract

Activation of sarcolemmal Na+/H+ exchange has been proposed as a causal factor in reperfusion arrhythmogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we determined the antiarrhythmic efficacy of two structurally distinct but equipotent Na+H+ exchange inhibitors, 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride (EIPA) and the novel drug, 3-methylsulfonyl-4-piperidinobenzoyl guanidine (HOE-694), in isolated rat hearts (n = 12/group) subjected to independent dual coronary perfusion. After 15 min of aerobic perfusion of both beds, flow to the left coronary bed (LCB) was terminated for 10 min; this was followed by 5 min of reperfusion. Various concentrations of each drug were selectively infused into the LCB either during the 5-min period preceding ischemia plus during reperfusion or during reperfusion alone. With the former protocol, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 microM EIPA reduced the incidence of reperfusion-induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) from 92% in controls to 83, 83, 50, and 0% (P < 0.05); the number of hearts in sinus rhythm at the end of reperfusion was increased from 17 to 42, 25, 83 (P < 0.05), and 100% (P < 0.05). HOE-694, at the same concentrations, reduced VF incidence from 92% in control to 83, 58, 50, and 8% (P < 0.05); 25, 67, 75 (P < 0.05), and 100% (P < 0.05) of hearts were in sinus rhythm, compared with 17% of controls, at the end of reperfusion. Even when infused during reperfusion alone, both drugs afforded significant protection against reperfusion-induced VF, which did not differ significantly from that observed when the drugs were also given before ischemia. The similar antiarrhythmic efficacy of EIPA and HOE-694 is consistent with an arrhythmogenic role for activation of Na+/H+ exchange during early reperfusion.