A pharmacological approach to the study of AV conduction in man
Melacini, P.; Bressan, M.; Nava, A.; Buja, G.F.; Marinato, P.G.; Dalla Volta, S.
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Therapy and Toxicology 18(9): 389-394
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0174-4879 PMID: 7450931 Document Number: 154654
Smooth and interrupted curves of AV conduction, generated with an atrial extrastimulus technique, are seen in man, suggesting the involvement of two physiological AV pathways named "alpha" and "beta" and leading to a final common pathway (FCP). In view of this knowledge, the effects of some representative antiarrhytmic agents (Atropine, Verapamil, Ajmaline) were studied in eight patients in order to elucidate the physiological role of the various components of AV junction. Verapamil decreased conduction velocity of both "alpha" and "beta" pathways and increased their refractoriness; Atropine decreased "alpha" and "beta" pathways' refractory periods and increased their conduction velocity; further studies are required to clarify the effects of Ajmaline on AV conduction.