Comparison of the effects of halothane and propranolol on the effective refractory period and the ventricular activation in a canine myocardial infarction model.

The effects of halothane on the effective refractory period (ERP) and the ventricular activation were examined in a canine myocardial infarction model, and compared with those of propranolol. Halothane reduced the heart rate and prolonged the ERP in both normal and infarcted zones. A prolongation of ERP with halothane was also observed during atrial pacing at the same rate as in control, but the effect was less than during sinus rhythm. Halothane (1 MAC) further delayed or blocked the delayed activation in the infarcted zones with only slight effects on the activation of the normal zones. Propranolol (0.2 mg/kg) prolonged ERP during sinus rhythm, but it did not affect either the ERP or ventricular activation during atrial pacing. In conclusion, halothane produced a selective depression of the delayed activation and the prolongation of ERP, which may be caused by both direct effects on the myocardium and secondary effects such as a reduction of the heart rate. These effects of halothane may contribute to its antiarrhythmic effects in the myocardial infarction model which have been previously reported.