Normalization of QRS segment, blood pressure and heartbeat in an experimental model of amitriptyline intoxication in rats following hyperbaric oxygenation therapy

Tricyclic antidepressants are responsible for the majority of cases of intoxication due to psychoactive medications. Such intoxication results in an alteration of cardiovascular function. Sodium bicarbonate (HCO₃) is the current treatment of choice, although, we propose Hyperbaric Oxygenation (HBO) therapy as an alternative treatment, since it is known to be an effective adjuvant therapy in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, the use and utility of this therapy has not been fully clarified. To evaluate hyperbaric oxygenation therapy as a collaborating agent in the treatment of amitriptyline intoxication, allowing recovery in a lesser period of time of the cardiovascular parameters under study, as compared to the sodium bicarbonate treatment. Male Wistar rats were intoxicated with amitriptyline and hyperbaric oxygen therapy or sodium bicarbonate were administered as a treatment. Blood pressure measures were taken and an electrocardiogram was performed to determine the heartbeat and the length of the QRS interval. After amitriptyline intoxication and first treatment with either HCO₃ or HBO, heartbeat returned to normal and the length of the QRS segment was shortened. The latter parameter returned to normal after the second treatment with either SB or HBO. Whereas, HBO therapy normalized blood pressure after the first treatment, this result was found only after the second treatment with SB. The HBO therapy proved better than SB treatment for improving blood pressure.