Efficacy of isoproterenol-glucagon infusion in patients with heart disease

Isoproterenol and glucagon were administered separately and in combination by constant rate of intravenous infusion to 13 patients with organic heart disease. Glucagon produced modest increases in cardiac output, heart rate, and arterial pulse pressure. Isoproterenol produced increases in cardiac output and heart rate greater than that achieved with glucagon alone and also increased arterial pulse pressure, stroke volume, and mean rate of left ventricular ejection and decreased systemic vascular resistance.

The same doses of isoproterenol and glucagon in combination produced a greater effect on cardiac output than that achieved with either drug alone and had a greater effect on heart rate and arterial pulse pressure than did glucagon alone. There was no increase in the side effects of either drug associated with their administration in combination.

The present study suggests that the clinical usefulness of glucagon may be enhanced by administering glucagon in combination with isoproterenol in order to obtain the additive hemodynamic benefit of these drugs while minimizing their undesirable side effects.