ABSTRACT
For establishing normal mean values of the parameters of the electrocardiographic curve and their standard deviations 50 male guinea pigs were studied. The directions of temporary vectors of atrial (AP) and ventricular (AQRS) depolarization times, and ventricular repolarization time (AT) were determined, and the position of the heart was evaluated. In all animals limb leads I, II, III, aVR, aVL, aVF were used, and in 38 animals additionally the precordial leads V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6 were applied. The investigations were done by a non-invasive method with a specially designed plate making possible immobilization of the animals in supine position under general anaesthesia with urethane. In 10% of the animals abnormalities were detected in the ECG curve and these guinea pigs were eliminated from further analysis. The investigations showed that, after consideration given to the differences in the ECG curves in relation to man, guinea pigs might be used for preclinical cardiological studies.
