Toxic interactions between disopyramide and propranolol in chick embryos

The toxic interaction between disopyramide and propranolol were studied in chick embryos. Fertilized eggs of White Leghorns were incubated and investigated. Disopyramide with and without propranolol was injected into the air sac of a fertilized egg on the 16th day of incubation. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded 0 to 60 min after the injection. After each drug injection alone, the heart rate was not different compared with control. However, the heart rate was significantly decreased by combination with disopyramide and propranolol. In addition, arrhythmia was produced by disopyramide 1.0 mg/egg alone and in combination with propranolol. These findings indicate that the interaction between disopyramide and propranolol has a marked influence on the heart rate in chick embryos.