Enhanced arrhythmogenicity of Freon 113 by hypoxia in the perfused rat heart.

The interaction of Freon 113 (1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane) and hypoxia on the heart conduction system was studied using electrocardiogram monitoring of isolated perfused rat hearts. Freon 113 (0.2 mM) alone elicited significant atrioventricular conduction delay (p less than 0.05) and heart rate decrease (p less than 0.01), which were significantly enhanced by hypoxia (75% oxygen decrease), for instance, resulting in 2:1 AV block. The data suggest that arrhythmogenicity of Freon 113 on the heart conduction system may be enhanced synergistically by hypoxia.