Summary
The electrophysiologic mode of action and potency of the verapamil derivative YS 035 (N,N-bis-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-N-methyl amine) were investigated in sheep cardiac Purkinje fibres. Action potential duration measured at a repolarization level of −60 mV (APD-60) and membrane currents recorded with the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique were evaluated. At 10 μmol/l YS 035 APD-60 was increased to about 115% of reference. Prolongation measured as percentage of the respective control exhibited on the average no dependence on stimulation frequency (0.17–2 Hz). At 100 μmol/l membrane became depolarized to about −50 mV and action potentials could no longer be elicited. Further study was focussed on effects on outward currents, mostly activated at a frequency of 0.05 Hz. Transient outward current (ito) was completely blocked at 100 μmol/l and half-maximal inhibition occurred at about 14 μmol/l. Inwardly rectifying potassium current (iK1) was reduced to 47% of reference at 100 μmol/l. An initially activating outward current at positive membrane potentials (iinst) was reduced to 73% at 100 μmol/l. Time-dependent (delayed) outward current (iK) was on the average not affected up to 100 μol/l. Besides inhibition of repolarizing outward currents YS 035 completely blocked pacemaker current (if) at 100 μmol/l and half-maximal reduction was achieved at 5 μmol/l. YS 035 (1–100 μmol/l) did not clearly affect time constants of activation at selected test potentials (IK: +35 mV; if: −90 mV) or inactivation (ito: 0 mV). Voltage-dependent control mechanisms of currents (itto, if) were not influenced by YS 035 but the amount of available current was reduced.
In conclusion, the verapamil derivative YS 035 inhibited pacemaker current and potassium outward currents which correlated to a prolongation of cardiac action po tentials. Electrophysiological actions of the compound favour it to be tested in vivo as an antiarrhythmic drug candidate.
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Berger, F., Borchard, U., Hafner, D. et al. Inhibition of potassium outward currents and pacemaker current in sheep cardiac Purkinje fibres by the verapamil derivative YS 035. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch Pharmacol 344, 653–661 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00174749
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00174749