[Effect of tricyclic antidepressive agents on hemodynamics and plasms norepinephrine level in man during rest and exertion]

The effects of i.v. injected antidepressants Imipramine (Tofranil, Geigy) and Dimetacrine (Istonil, Siegfried) on cardiavascular functions were investigated in 18 patients at diagnostic cardiac catheterization. 4 patients were additionally studied during ergometric exercise before and 45 min. after application of both thymoleptica. Determinations of noradrenaline plasma concentrations were carried out in 8 patients. The results show of 25 mg (= 22,1 mg free base) Imipramine or 33.5 mg (= 21.4 mg free base) Dimetacrine did not induce significant changes in heart rate and cardiac index. 2. Already 15 min. after application of both drugs a clear increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEP) was observed. Maximal increase in LVEP - in mean, 26% after Imipramine (p less than 0.0005) and 40% after Dimetacrine (p less than 0.05) - was reached 30-45 min, after injection. 3. A simultaneous increase in mean systemic arterial pressure was related to a marked increase in noradrenaline plasma concentration in all 8 investigated patients. 4. After application of tricyclic antidepressant a larger increase in pulmonary arterial enddiastolic pressure was observed during ergometric exercise.