Research in Medicine

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Background: The role of citalopram (a tricyclic antidepressant of SSRI group) on ouabain-induced arrhythmia in guinea pig was well established. Materials and methods: Thirty-two guinea pigs were randomly assigned in any of the four groups citalopram, ouabain, citalopram+ouabain, and control. The Na, K, and Ca concentrations were measured using atomic absorption technique. Results: Citalopram could significantly reduce the contractility and pulse rate. Ouabain-induced arrhythmia occurred after 4.5 minutes and ouabia-induced asystole and toxicity was revealed after 20 minutes, however, previous administration of citalopram (8g/ml) prolonged the time of arrhythmia to 9 minutes and the atria were alive till the 20th minute (p<0.05, and p<0.001, respectively). Ouabain administration was accompanied with increased Na concentration, however, K and Ca concentrations have not significantly changed. Citalopram has changed the K concentration (p<0.05). Conclusion: Citalopram has a direct negative inotropic effect on guinea pig atria. This may be explained through an inhibitory effect on Na and K channels or potassium hyperpolarization. Meanwhile, citalopram prevent ouabain-induced arrhythmia and toxicity. This activity could be due to cell membrane stabilization and cessation of ionic changes.

Keywords: Citalopram, Ouabain, Ionic changes.

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