Protective effect of ST-93 against ouabain induced arrhythmias in guinea pigs

ST-93, a clonidine analog was studied for its antiarrhythmic activity in anaesthetised guinea pigs against ouabain induced arrhythmia. The amount of ouabain required (micrograms/kg) for the production of ventricular premature best. Ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest was recorded in control and drug treated group of animals. Both ST-93 and clonidine produced significant antiarrhythmic effect in guinea pigs. This protective effect was significantly blocked by yohimbine, suggesting that the antiarrhythmic effect is mediated through presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors.