Sinus node function after selective elimination of sympathetic influences on the sinus node area of the dog

Six-hydroxydopamine (6OHDA) was injected directly into the subepicardium of the sinus node area in an attempt to damage sympathetic nerve terminals in the sinus node. The changes in sinus node function were observed for 4 weeks. The predominant rhythm was of sinus origin throughout the observation period. The sinus rate progressively decreased from 145.1 +/- 14.2 to 76.2 +/- 12.1 beats/min during the first week after injection of 6OHDA. The sinus rate remained at this level for 2 weeks, followed by a gradual increase to 89.3 +/- 18.2 beats/min 4 weeks after injection of 6OHDA. These sinus rates were only significantly different from control dogs through the 14th postoperative day. The sinus rate was considerably increased by intravenous atropine injections 5 to 7 days after the injection of 6OHDA into the sinus node area. The sinus node recovery time was much longer in dogs with an injection of 6OHDA than that in the control dogs throughout the observed period. These results suggest that elimination of the sympathetic influences on the sinus node can be achieved by direct injection of 6OHDA into the sinus node area in the dog, and that sinus node function can be depressed by decreasing sympathetic tone alone, in the absence of an intrinsic dysfunction of the sinus node.