Linked Life Data

2873061

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/2873061

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
8
pubmed:dateCreated
1986-8-11
pubmed:abstractText
Current evidence indicates that susceptibility to ventricular fibrillation (VF) can be reduced by decreasing cardiac sympathetic activity and by increasing vagal tone. Pharmacological agents that favor such a pattern of autonomic outflow protect the heart against fibrillation. These include morphine sulfate, clonidine, digitalis drugs, and bromocriptine. An intriguing new approach involves changing the serum concentration of amino acid precursors of the central neurotransmitters that modulate autonomic traffic. Considerable evidence indicates that accumulation of serotonin in the brain reduces sympathetic neural activity. When L-tryptophan or 5-hydroxytryptophan is administered with phenelzine (a monoamine oxidase inhibitor) and carbidopa (a selective peripheral L-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor) to raise brain serotonin, a significant increase in myocardial electrical stability is observed. This effect results from a decrease in cardiac sympathetic tone as indicated by selective denervation and nerve recording studies. Enhancing serotoninergic neurotransmission can also significantly reduce vulnerability to VF during acute coronary artery occlusion. The effect of augmenting serotoninergic activity without the use of enzyme inhibitors has been investigated by administering agents such as melatonin, 5-methoxytryptophol, and 6-chloro-2-(1-piperazinyl) pyrazine (MK-212). Each of these substances increases cardiac electrical stability. The protective influence is unaffected by bilateral vagotomy but is blocked by the specific serotonin antagonist methergoline. Diminution of cardiac sympathetic drive appears to be the main mechanism of action. Thus, neurochemical interventions can exert a profound effect on cardiac electrical stability. Recent advances in neurochemistry and psychopharmacology promise new insights into the problem of sudden death and suggest a fresh approach for the management of life-threatening arrhythmias.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Jul
pubmed:issn
0014-9446
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
45
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
2191-6
pubmed:dateRevised
2007-11-14
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1986
pubmed:articleTitle
Neurochemical approaches to the prevention of ventricular fibrillation.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.