Abstract
The effect of glucagon on arrhythmias produced by digitalis (ouabain) and on ventricular automaticity was studied in 36 dogs. Glucagon abolished the arrhythmias in 26 dogs (72 percent), primarily by producing a sinus tachycardia with 1:1 ventricular response, thereby competing with and suppressing the ectopic rhythm. After administration of glucagon in the normal heart, ventricular automaticity was generally unchanged. During digitalis toxicity, glucagon had either not changed or decreased ventricular automaticity, the decrement in ventricular automaticity showing poor correlation with this agent's antiarrhythmic effect. Glucagon also induced an immediate rise, then a fall in serum potassium levels. It is concluded that a multiplicity of factors—enhanced automaticity of the sinoatrial node, improved atrioventricular conduction, changes in potassium levels and, at times, slight lowering of ventricular automaticity—all contribute to the antiarrhythmic capabilities of glucagon.
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