Effect of chronic cardiac denervation on arrhythmias after coronary artery ligation

Abstract

Extrinsic cardiac denervation protects animals from fatal arrhythmias after coronary artery ligation and no change in heart rate or blood pressure is noted. Adequate time must elapse after surgical denervation for myocardial catecholamine depletion or arrhythmias will occur. Reserpine pre-treatment plus cervical vagotomy reduces the incidence of ventricular fibrillation. The relationship between myocardial catecholamines and arrhythmias is discussed.