EFFECTS OF DISULFIRAM ON CARDIOVASCULAR RESPONSES TO ETHANOL IN DOGS AND GUINEA PIGS

The cardiovascular effects of cardiac sympathetic nerve stimulation were studied in disulfiram-treated dogs. It was found that the magnitude of the increments of heart rate, systemic arterial pressure, and myocardial contractile force in disulfiram-treated dogs was significantly smaller than that in control dogs. In addition, the effects of ethanol on heart rate, systemic arterial pressure, and myocardial contractile force were studied in disulfiram-treated dogs and in isolated papillary muscle of disulfiram-treated guinea pigs. The magnitude and duration of the hypotensive and cardiac depressant effects of ethanol were found to be greater and more prolonged, respectively, in disulfiram-treated than in control dogs. Likewise, the greater negative inotropic action of ethanol was observed in isolated atria of disulfiram-treated guinea pigs. The results obtained from the present study are consistent with previous observations that disulfiram, a dopamine-β-hydroxylase inhibitor, reduces norepinephrine and epinephrine contents in the heart, blood vessels, and adrenal medullae, thereby causing the disturbance in the cardiovascular reflex mechanism. It is concluded that ethanol-disulfiram reaction may be partially due to the inadequate reflex sympathoadrenal stimulation following ethanol ingestion in disulfiram-treated animals or human subjects. © 1969.