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ChemistryToxicology

Effects of Trichothecenes on Cardiac Cell Electrical Function

Authors: W. T. Woods Jr; ALABAMA UNIV IN BIRMINGHAM
Abstract:
Exposure to relatively small amounts of trichothecenes causes sudden death in humans and experimental animals. Prior to death, heart function becomes abnormal. Therefore, trichothecenes may have lethal effects on cardiac cells or on the nerves in the heart. This 2 year project determined how trichothecenes affect electrical activity in heart cells and how trichothecenes affect neural control of the circulation. The effects of T-2 toxin and roridin-A on heart cell electrophysiology in isolated, arterially perfused tissues from dog hearts were examined. Cells in the sinus node pacemaker, atrial wall, atrioventricular node, atrioventricular bundle, false tendons, and ventricular wall were impaled with microelectrodes during arterial perfusion of each toxin to assess changes in rate of beating, conduction velocity, and action potential morphology. Effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves during toxin perfusion were revealed by blocking their receptors with proranolol and atropine, respectively.

Limitations: APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Description: Annual rept. Oct 84-Sep 85
Pages: 78
Report Date: 13 DEC 85
Contract Number: DAMD17-83-G-9563
Report Number: A628581
Keywords relating to this report:
*ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
*HEART
*PHYTOTOXINS
*TOXICITY
ARTERIES
ATROPINE
BLOOD CIRCULATION
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
CELLS
CONTROL
DEATH
DOGS
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY
ELECTRODES
HEART FUNCTION TESTS
HUMANS
LABORATORY ANIMALS
LETHALITY
MORPHOLOGY
NERVE TRANSMISSION
NERVES
PERFUSION
TENDONS
TOXINS AND ANTITOXINS
VELOCITY
VENTRICLES
WALLS
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