The effective refractory period (ERP) during the period of the alternation of the ST-T complex (STTA) in the ischemic myocardium was determined using a synchronized system of electrical stimulators and a bipolar epicardial electrode during acute coronary occlusion in anesthetized dogs. Epicardial unipolar electrograms (UP), epicardial bipolar electrograms (BP) and monophasic action potentials (MAP) were also recorded from ischemic areas. ERP in ischemic areas was prolonged, as ischemia progressed, and during the period of STTA ERP also alternately changed. A lower or negative deflection of the ST-T complex was accompanied by a longer ERP, and a higher or monophasic ST-T complex was accompanied by a shorter ERP. A good correlation was observed between the degrees of alternation in ERP and of STTA. MAP also showed an alternation in its duration and its amplitude. The alternation in duration preceded the alternation in amplitude. A lower or negative deflection of the ST-T complex corresponded to a MAP with a longer duration and a larger amplitude. During the period of STTA, a long conduction delay followed the negative deflection of the ST-T complex. A marked conduction delay appeared only during a period of STTA. Diltiazem and nifedipine inhibited STTA and an alternation in ERP. In conclusion, STTA is associated with an alternation in ERP and in conduction delay, and calcium antagonists attenuate both STTA and an alternation in ERP.