The short-term cellular electrophysiologic actions of d-sotalol on isolated neonatal and adult canine ventricular myocardium and Purkinje fibers were evaluated using standard microelectrode techniques. d-Sotalol, 10(-6) to 10(-4)M, had no effects on action potential amplitude, maximal diastolic potential or action potential upstroke velocity (Vmax) in any neonatal or adult preparation. In five adult myocardial preparations, d-sotalol produced concentration-dependent increases in action potential duration at 50% (APD50) and 90% (APD90) repolarization and effective refractory period. In six neonatal myocardial preparations, d-sotalol produced a biphasic response; APD50, APD90 and effective refractory period decreased at 10(-6) and 10(-5)M. At 10(-4)M, these values increased significantly but to a lesser extent compared with values in adults. In seven adult Purkinje fibers, d-Sotalol significantly increased APD50, APD90 and effective refractory period in a concentration-dependent manner. All six neonatal Purkinje fibers responded in a biphasic manner, with values for APD50, APD90 and effective refractory period being less than control at 10(-6)M and near control values at 10(-5)M. At 10(-4)M, these variables were significantly increased, but to a lesser extent than in adult preparations. Our data confirm the typical class III effects of d-sotalol in adult cardiac tissues. The shortening of repolarization and refractoriness at lower drug concentrations in developing cardiac tissues may relate to age-dependent differences in cellular ionic function and basic electrophysiology.