[The anti-arrhythmic effect of the selective sigma-receptor antagonist DuP 734 [1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-4-(2'-(4''-fluorophenyl)-2'-oxoethyl)piper idine HBr]].

It was demonstrated on models of epinephrine-, CaCl2-, and aconitine-induced arrhythmias that the sigma-receptor antagonist DuP734 possesses high antiarrhythmic activity in a dose of 1 mg/kg. The sigma-receptor agonist-(+)SKF10,047 promoted the development of ventricular fibrillation. Atropine had no effect on the antiarrhythmic properties of DuP734. "Chemical sympathectomy" of the myocardium with the ganglion-blocking agent hexamethonium also did not affect the proarrhythmic properties of (+)SKF10,047. It is supposed that selective sigma-receptor blocking agents may be highly effective antiarrhythmic drugs.