The effect of amygdalin on electrocardiogram and blood nitric oxide levels in guinea pigs

In this study the effects of amygdalin on electrocardiogram and blood nitric oxide (NO) levels in guinea pigs were investigated. 32 male, albino guinea-pigs were randomly assigned to one control and three experiment groups. One dose of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg amygdalin dissolved in distilled water were given to the second, third and fourth groups using gastric cathater. One hour after the drug administration, electrocardiography measurements were recorded and serum NO levels were determined. When the serum NO levels of the second, third, and fourth groups were compared to the serum NO level of the control group, each of the differences was found statistically significant (p<0.05). Moreover, the serum NO level of the fourth group was statistically significantly different from the second group (p<0.05). A statistically significant decrease was observed in the Q-T interval durations of 100 mg/kg (0.126+/-0.006 sn) and 200 mg/kg (0.120+/-0.001 sn) amygdalin administred groups as they were compared to the control (0.156 +/- 0.009 sn) and to the 50 mg/kg (0.147 +/- 0.004 sn) amygdalin administred groups. The heart rate increased statistically significantly in 100 mg/kg(246 +/- 11 bpm) and 200 mg/kg(253 +/- 12 bpm)amygdalin administred groups when they were compared to the control and to the second groups. In the 200 mg/kg amygdalin administred group, we observed 11 degrees AV block at the rate of 25 %, S-T segment elevation at the rate of 25 %, an increase in T wave amplitudes at the rate of 12.5 %, though those observations were not found statistically significantly different, shortened S-T segment with fusion of the T wave into QRS complex and III degrees AV block at the rate of 12.5 %. In conclusion, the increases in blood NO levels and heart rate, a decrease in Q-T interval duration, and changes in electrocardiogram, all of which occur after the admigdalin administration, reveal that the drug can cause cardivascular problems.