Prevention of Hereditary Cardiomyopathy in the Hamster by Verapamil and Other Agents 1

Summary

Verapamil, Prenylamine and, to a lesser extent, Cinnarizine were highly efficient in preventing the development or reducing the severity of heart lesions in cardio-myopathic hamsters of the UM-X7.1 line. The calcium antagonistic compounds did not protect against the skeletal muscle changes already present at the time when treatment was initiated. The cardiac lesions were also significantly diminished in frequency and severity by a low calcium diet and, in apparent contradiction, by parenteral administration of calcium gluconate. The relation of these protective effects to changes in the values of electrolytes and creatine phospho-kinase is not yet fully understood but suggests that a primary defect in muscle cell membranes may be responsible for hereditary cardiomyopathy in hamsters.