[Effects of pentaformylgitoxin (gitoformate) on the cardiovascular system of anesthetized cats]

In small and medium doses 3 beta, 14 beta-dihydroxy-16 beta-formyloxy-5 beta-card-20-[22]-enolide-3-tetraformyltridigitoxoside (pentaformylgitoxin; gitoformate) shows a greater positive inotropic and blood pressure increasing potency than do digitoxin and beta-acetyldigoxin. In high doses this influence on contractility is exceeded by digitoxin, that on blood pressure is equalled. None of the substances tested changes heart rate. Arrhythmias with gitoformate are only seen in lethal doses, with digitoxin and beta-acetyldigoxin two dose levels earlier.