[Effect of sodium selenite on the course of acute experimental myocardial infarct]

The effect of sodium selenite on experimental myocardial infarction was investigated in 47 domestic pigs, with a major emphasis on the hemodynamic antiarrhythmic effects of selenium. Intravenous sodium selenite administered in a dose of 1-2 mg/kg body weight produced a favorable pharmacologic effect. The hemodynamic action consisted in an increase of heart rate, and the maximum aortic flow rate, cardiac output, minute volume of the heart and coronary flow, as well as a decrease in total peripheral resistance. Selenium's antiarrhythmic effect was manifested in reduced occurrence of ventricular extrasystoles and flutter, and the disappearance of "late potentials" in the peri-infarction area.