Effects of SEA0400, a Na+/Ca2+ exchange inhibitor, on ventricular arrhythmias in the in vivo dogs

SEA0400 (2-[4-[(2,5-difluorophenyl)methoxy]phenoxy]-5-ethoxyaniline), a novel and selective inhibitor of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, was investigated for its possible antiarrhythmic effects on arrhythmias of Ca2+ overload induced by coronary ligation/reperfusion and by digitalis in the dog. SEA0400 (1.0 mg/kg) did not change the hemodynamics but slightly prolonged the QRS duration (P<0.05). Pre-ischemic administration (10 min before coronary occlusion) of SEA0400 (1.0 mg/kg) and post-ischemic administration (1 min before reperfusion) of SEA0400 (0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg) had no effects on the incidence of ventricular fibrillation induced by coronary ligation/reperfusion. On the other hand, SEA0400 (3.0 mg/kg) decreased the arrhythmic ratio in the digitalis arrhythmias (P<0.01). However, atrioventricular block and cardiac standstill were induced in two digitalized dogs. In conclusion, SEA0400 has no significant antiarrhythmic effect on arrhythmias induced by coronary ligation/reperfusion, but has an obvious suppressing effect on tachyarrhythmias induced by digitalis in in vivo canine models.