[The increased sensitivity of rats to ouabain in the acute stage of heart failure].

A study was made of the response of the cardiovascular system to the cardiac glycoside ouabain, using original experimental acute heart failure that developed as a result of coronary vessel embolization with 15 microns radioactive microspheres introduced into the cavity of the left ventricle during occlusion of the ascending aorta. To examine the general and regional hemodynamics, an isotope exchange method was employed. 48 hours after coronary vessel embolization the rats appear more sensitive to the action of ouabain as compared to the sham-operated animals. This shows up in a more pronounced vasoconstriction in some organs, leading to a noticeable increase of the general peripheral resistance and arterial pressure. High sensitivity of the cardiovascular system to ouabain makes this effect transform very rapidly to the toxic one.