Pancuronium Bromide Enhances Atrioventricular Conduction in Halo thane-anesthetized Dogs

Abstract

The effect of pancuronium bromide on A-V conduction was studied by His-bundle ECG during atrial pacing at different heart rates in halothane-anesthetized dogs. Pancuronium bromide, 0.1 mg/kg, uniformly enhanced A-V conduction, as evidenced by decreased A-H interval (the time from the onset of the 1st high-frequency component of atrial depolarization to the His deflection). Wenckebach 2nd-degree A-V block appeared in 5 of 14 animals during atrial pacing with halothane anesthesia. This block was uniformly abolished by pancuronium. The enhancement of A-V conduction may contribute to the development of tachyarrhythmias following administration of pancuronium in certain patients, particularly those who have atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.