Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Desoxycorticosterone-Treated Rabbits

Abstract

Rabbits treated simultaneously with desoxycorticosterone acetate (DCA) and Na chloride develop marked abnormalities in the electrocardiographs pattern. These included prolongation of the P-R interval, S-T depression, premature ventricular systoles and electrical alternans, and were not encountered in control or saline-treated animals. These could be reversed to normal by substituting KC1 for NaCl, even though the hormone was continued, from which it would appear that the steroid does not exert a direct pharmacologic action on the heart. Skeletal muscle paralysis, a common occurrence in hormone treated animals did not necessarily parallel the ecg. changes, although both disturbances are thought to be due to K deficiency.