RESUMO
Objective To investigate the effects of L-carnitine(L-CN)on electrophysiological changes induced by atrial ischemia in dogs.Methods Twelve dogs were divided into normal saline(NS)group and L-CN group.Atrial ischemia was induced by ligation of an atrial arterial branch of right coronary artery.Atrial effective refractory period(AERP)and conduction velocity(CV)of right atrium were measured before and after 3 hour's coronary artery ligation.Atrial wavelength(WL)and inducibility of atrial fibrillation(AF)were calculated.Histological examination was performed.Results (1)AERP and WL shortened dramatically after ligation of coronary artery in NS group;they showed no remarkable change in L-CN group.(2)There was no significant change of CV in the two groups.(3)AF was induced in 0 of 12 dogs under basic condition.(3)After ligation of the right coronary artery,AF was induced in all of the 6 dogs in NS group and 0 of 6 dogs in L-CN group.(5)Histological examination revealed that the ischemic changes occurred only in NS group.Conclusion Electrophysiological changes induced by atrial ischemia could be prevented by infusion of L-CN.