Anti-digoxin antibody in digoxin intoxication

This study was conducted to investigate the action of anti-digoxin antibody in digoxin intoxication. Anti-digoxin antibody was raised in sheep and administered to six dogs following intravenous infusion of digoxin (0.04 or 0.16 mg/kg body weight), either as whole serum or as partially purified gamma globulin. Plasma and urine digoxin levels, both bound and free, were determined on serial samples. Myocardial samples were analysed for digoxin content. Comparisons were made with six dogs given digoxin but no antibody. The results indicate that anti-digoxin antibody is effective through inactivation of digoxin in myocardium and removal of digoxin from myocardium into plasma. Loss of digoxin in urine is not responsible for toxicity reversal.