Subacute carbon disulfide exposure modifies adrenergic cardiovascular actions in rats

The influence of subacute carbon disulfide exposure (1.66 or 3.32 mmol/kg) on cardiovascular actions of epinephrine (1 or 4 micrograms/kg iv) and norepinephrine (2 or 10 micrograms/kg iv) was investigated in the urethane-anesthetized rat model. Hypertensive adrenergic effects were enhanced and inotropic effects were diminished in carbon disulfide exposed rats. Atrioventricular impulse conduction was delayed after carbon disulfide exposure, and we observed an increased number of extrasystoles in these animals. Transient T-wave elevation after catecholamine injection was augmented in carbon disulfide exposed rats. Our results demonstrate that subacute carbon disulfide exposure modifies adrenergic cardiovascular actions in rats.