Effect of yohimbine in congestive cardiac failure

The present investigation was undertaken to study the effects of yohimbine in congestive cardiac failure. In anesthetized dogs propranolol significantly reduced the left ventricular pressure (L.V.P) and rate of cardiac contractility (+ dp/dtmax). Yohimbine successfully reversed the propranolol induced decrease in L.V.P and + dp/dtmax. Yohimbine was also found to bring back the propranolol induced decrease in carotid artery blood flow-rate. Yohimbine administration, however, did not alter propranolol induced change in blood pressure or heart rate. Administration of propranolol was associated with high mortality in control animals whereas this was significantly prevented after yohimbine administration. Our data suggest that yohimbine has beneficial effects in congestive cardiac failure.