Effects of khellin on coronary blood flow and related metabolic functions

¹ Department of Physiology and Cardiovascular Laboratories, State University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

Khellin, a drug employed as a coronary dilator, was tested to determine its effects on the cardiovascular system of the dog. Ten mongrel dogs were anesthetized with Nembutal and, after control observations were made, given an intravenous administration of 1 mg/kg body weight of khellin. Coronary blood flow and cardiac output samples were drawn during the control period and at 10, 40 and 80 minutes after administration of the drug Cardiac output was calculated by the direct Fick principle and coronary blood flow by the nitrous oxide method. There was a significant (5%) increase in the arterial oxygen content during the 10- and 40-minute intervals, but no change was observed at 80 minutes. An increase in arterial-mixed venous oxygen difference occurred at 40 and 80 minutes. No change in systemic arterial pressure or cardiac output was noted at any time. Coronary blood flow had decreased slightly at 80 minutes. A significant decrease in carbon dioxide content of the arterial, pulmonary arterial and coronary sinus blood was observed, possibly as a consequence of hyperventilation. Khellin appeared to alter the metabolism of the myocardial and splanchnic tissues.