scholarly journals Positive and Negative Inotropic Effects of Elevated Extracellular Potassium Level on Mammalian Ventricular Muscle

1972 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic Kavaler ◽  
Paul M. Hyman ◽  
Robert B. Lefkowitz
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Action Potential ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Potassium Level ◽  
Positive Inotropic Effect ◽  
Potassium Concentration ◽  
Inotropic Effect ◽  
Extracellular Potassium ◽  
Ventricular Muscle ◽  
Inotropic Effects

The effect of moderate elevation in extracellular potassium concentration (up to 12 mM) on contraction of cat ventricular muscle was examined. Isometric force development was recorded from eight excised trabeculae and from six coronary-perfused in situ papillary muscle preparations. Contraction in the steady state was variably affected, sometimes decreasing monotonically, sometimes remaining unchanged, with increasing potassium level. In 11 of these 14 preparations, the steady state was preceded by a transient period in which the contraction was augmented. In addition, eight excised trabeculae were used in an experimental arrangement designed to distinguish between inotropic effects caused by potassium-induced alterations in the action potential and other, more direct, effects of this ion on contraction. The negative inotropic effect is attributable to a potassium-induced reduction in the amplitude and/or duration of the action potential plateau. The positive inotropic effect was found in experimental arrangements where effects of the potassium-rich medium on action potential time-course were effectively "buffered." The positive inotropic effect thus depends on the presence of the elevated potassium concentration and can occur independently of effects on the action potential time-course.

Xenon Does Not Impair the Responsiveness of Cardiac Muscle Bundles to Positive Inotropic and Chronotropic Stimulation

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 422-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia C. Schroth ◽  
Ulrich Schotten ◽  
Orkide Alkanoglu ◽  
Matthias S. Reyle-Hahn ◽  
Peter Hanrath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Myocardial Contractility ◽  
Positive Inotropic Effect ◽  
Inotropic Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Force ◽  
Ventricular Muscle ◽  
Force Of Contraction ◽  
Inotropic Effects ◽  
Contraction Times

Background Most volatile anesthetics exhibit a direct myocardial depressant effect. This side effect often limits their applicability in patients with impaired cardiac function. Xenon is a new gaseous anesthetic that did not show any adverse cardiovascular effects in clinical and experimental studies. The authors tested the hypothesis that xenon does not affect myocardial contractility or the positive inotropic effect of isoproterenol, calcium, and increase in pacing rate in isolated guinea pig ventricular muscle bundles. Methods Thin ventricular muscle bundles from guinea pig hearts with a mean diameter of 0.4-0.45 mm were prepared under stereomicroscopic control. Force of contraction and contraction times were studied in muscles superfused with medium equilibrated with either 65% xenon and 35% oxygen (xenon group), 1.2% isoflurane in oxygen (isoflurane group), or 65% nitrogen and 35% oxygen (control group). In addition, the positive inotropic effects of calcium, isoproterenol (10(-10)-3 x 10(-8) M) and increasing frequency (0.5-2 Hz) were studied during xenon and isoflurane exposure. Results In contrast to isoflurane, xenon did not alter myocardial force of contraction or contraction times. The positive inotropic effect of isoproterenol, calcium, and increasing pacing frequencies did not differ between the muscles exposed to xenon and the control group. Isoflurane elicited the expected negative inotropic effect (30% reduction of force of contraction) but did not impair the response to inotropic stimuli. Conclusions Xenon does not alter myocardial contractility and the response to inotropic stimuli such as calcium, isoproterenol, or increase in pacing frequency in isolated guinea pig ventricular muscle bundles.

scholarly journals Junctional resistance and action potential delay between embryonic heart cell aggregates.

1980 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. 633-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
D E Clapham ◽  
A Shrier ◽  
R L DeHaan
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Potassium Concentration ◽  
Aggregate Size ◽  
Heart Cell ◽  
Extracellular Potassium ◽  
Cell Aggregates ◽  
Extracellular Potassium Concentration ◽  
Junctional Resistance

Spheroidal aggregates of embryonic chick ventricle cells were brought into contact and allowed to synchronize their spontaneous beats. Action potentials were recorded with both intracellular and extracellular electrodes. The degree of electrical interaction between the newly apposed aggregates was assessed by measuring the delay or latency (L) between the entrained action potentials, and by determining directly interaggregate coupling resistance (Rc) with injected current pulses. Aggregate size, contact area between the aggregates, and extracellular potassium concentration (Ko+) were important variables regulating the time-course of coupling. When these variables were controlled, L and Rc were found to be linearly related after beat synchrony was achieved. In 4.8 mM Ko+ L/Rc = 3.7 ms/M omega; in 1.3 mM Ko+ L/Rc = 10.1 ms/M omega. We conclude that action potential delay between heart cell aggregates can be related quantitatively to Rc.

The electrophysiological effects of disopyramide phosphate on canine ventricular muscle and Purkinfe fibers in normal and low potassium

1978 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Kus ◽  
Betty I. Sasyniuk
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Antiarrhythmic Effect ◽  
Extracellular Potassium ◽  
Ventricular Muscle ◽  
Extracellular Potassium Concentration ◽  
Course Of Action ◽  
Low K ◽  
Electrophysiological Effects

We studied the effect of lowering the extracellular potassium concentration ([K+]0) on the electrophysiological actions of disopyramide phosphate, a new antiarrhythmic drug. At low [K+]0, therapeutic concentrations of disopyramide phosphate caused significantly less depression of action potential amplitude and maximum upstroke velocity of both Purkinje fiber and ventricular muscle action potentials. The drug shifted the membrane responsiveness curve along the voltage axis to more negative membrane potentials regardless of [K+]0. However, a greater shift occurred when [K+]0 was normal. Disopyramide phosphate prolonged both action potential duration and effective refractory period in all fibers but there was consistently greater prolongation of these parameters at low [K+]0, More importantly, disopyramide phosphate altered repolarization time course of action potentials in such a way that action potentials with dissimilar durations throughout the ventricular conducting system became more equal. The drug was less effective in decreasing this disparity in action potential durations throughout the ventricles in the presence of low [K+]0. These modifications of the electrophysiological actions of disopyramide by low [K+]0 suggest that a therapeutic concentration of disopyramide might have less of an antiarrhythmic effect in the presence of hypokalemia.

Effects of pimobendan, a novel inotropic agent, on intracellular calcium and tension in isolated ferret ventricular muscle

1989 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 609-618 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Lee ◽  
J. C. Ruegg ◽  
D. G. Allen
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Positive Inotropic Effect ◽  
Inotropic Agent ◽  
Inotropic Effect ◽  
Inhibiting Activity ◽  
Papillary Muscles ◽  
Ventricular Muscle ◽  
Similar Time ◽  
Apparent Increase ◽  
Intact Muscle

1. In this study we have investigated the effects of a novel inotropic agent, pimobendan (UDCG 115-BS), on skinned and intact ventricular muscle from ferrets. 2. Pimobendan (20 or 100 μmol/l) increased tension at a given free [Ca2+] when applied to skinned ventricular muscle, i.e. it increased the Ca2+ sensitivity of the myofibrils. 3. Tension and intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) were measured simultaneously in intact papillary muscles using the aequorin technique. When 25 μmol/l pimobendan was added to the superfusing solution, a slowly developing positive ionotropic effect was produced, which was accompanied by an increase in the size of the systolic rise in [Ca2+]i (Ca2+ transients) with a similar time course. 4. In order to determine whether pimobendan increased the Ca2+ sensitivity of myofibrils in an intact papillary muscle, we compared the increase in Ca2+ transients and tension observed in response to changes in extracellular [Ca2+] with those observed in response to pimobendan. The result of this comparison was that in intact muscle pimobendan caused no apparent increase in myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity. 5. Pimobendan caused an abbreviation of the time course of the Ca2+ transients, but the twitch was slightly prolonged. 6. When isoprenaline was added to the superfusing solution, a positive inotropic effect was produced, which was accompanied by a marked increase in the size of the Ca2+ transients. Isoprenaline caused an abbreviation of the time course of both the Ca2+ transients and the twitch. When the Ca2+ sensitivity of the intact myofibrils was determined as described above, isoprenaline caused a desensitization. Pimobendan produced a sensitization when compared with isoprenaline. 7. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that pimobendan produces an inotropic effect in isolated cardiac muscle which is mediated both by an increase in Ca2+ sensitivity and by an increase in adenosine 3′: 5′-cyclic monophosphate due to its phosphodiesterase-inhibiting activity. Such a combination of activities may be particularly advantageous for an inotropic agent.

Mechanical and electrophysiological effects of a hydroxyphenyl-substituted tetrahydroisoquinoline, SL-1, on isolated rat cardiac tissues

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (11) ◽  
pp. 1651-1660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwo-Jyh Chang ◽  
Ming-Jai Su ◽  
Pei-Hong Lee ◽  
Shoei-Sheng Lee ◽  
Karin Chiung-Sheue Liu
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Action Potential Duration ◽  
Positive Inotropic Effect ◽  
Ventricular Myocytes ◽  
Inotropic Effect ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cardiac Tissues ◽  
Inward Current ◽  
Adrenoceptor Antagonist ◽  
Isolated Rat

The mechanisms of the positive inotropic action of a new synthetic tetrahydroisoquinoline compound, SL-1, were investigated in isolated rat cardiac tissues and ventricular myocytes. SL-1 produced a rapidly developing, concentration-dependent positive inotropic response in both atrial and ventricular muscles and a negative chronotropic effect in spontaneously beating right atria. The positive inotropic effect was not prevented by pretreatment with reserpine (3 mg/kg) or the α-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (1 μM), but was suppressed by either the β-adrenoceptor antagonist atenolol (3 μM) or the K+ channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4AP, 1 mM). In the whole-cell recording study, SL-1 increased the plateau level and prolonged the action potential duration in a concentration-dependent manner and decreased the maximum upstroke velocity [Formula: see text] and amplitude of the action potential in isolated rat ventricular myocytes stimulated at 1.0 Hz. On the other hand, SL-1 had little effect on the resting membrane potential, although it caused a slight decrease at higher concentrations. Voltage clamp experiments revealed that the increase of action potential plateau and prolongation of action potential duration were associated with an increase of Ca2+ inward current (ICa) via the activation of β-adrenoceptors and a prominent inhibition of 4AP-sensitive transient outward K+ current (Ito) with an IC50 of 3.9 μM. Currents through the inward rectifier K+ channel (IKl) were also reduced. The inhibition of Ito is characterized by a reduction in peak amplitude and a marked acceleration of current decay but without changes on the voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation. In addition to the inhibition of K+ currents, SL-1 also inhibited the Na+ inward current (INa) with an IC50 of 5.4 μM, which was correlated with the decrease of [Formula: see text]. We conclude that the positive inotropic effect of SL-1 may be due to an increase in Ca2+ current mediated via partial activation of β-adrenoceptors and an inhibition of K+ outward currents and the subsequent prolongation of action potentials.Key words: SL-1, tetrahydroisoquinoline, inotropic and chronotropic action, action potential, Na+, Ca2+, and K+ currents.

Positive inotropic effects of low concentrations of leukotrienes C4 and D4 in rat heart

1990 ◽  
Vol 259 (4) ◽  
pp. H1239-H1246 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Karmazyn ◽  
M. P. Moffat
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Channel ◽  
Positive Inotropic Effect ◽  
Negative Inotropic Effect ◽  
Bay K 8644 ◽  
Inotropic Effect ◽  
Receptor Interaction ◽  
Inotropic Effects ◽  
Coronary Pressure ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Rat Hearts

We examined the effects of leukotrienes (LT) B4, C4, D4, and E4 (0.010-2.5 ng/ml) on contractile and coronary function in isolated rat hearts. Concentration-dependent effects were examined either by the cumulative addition of LTs or by addition of specific concentrations to individual preparations. Neither LTB4 nor LTE4 produced myocardial or coronary effects at any concentration, irrespective of addition protocol. At 0.010 ng/ml, both LTC4 and LTD4 produced an increase in force that was associated with a 30% elevation in coronary pressure. Further cumulative addition of either leukotriene resulted in a negative inotropic effect and a further increase in coronary pressure. In contrast, following single additions of LTC4 or LTD4 (0.01-0.50 ng/ml) a positive inotropic effect and an increased coronary pressure were observed. LTC4 or LTD4 at 0.5 ng/ml produced a negative inotropic effect in hearts pretreated with 0.01 ng/ml of LTD4 or LTC4, respectively. Reversal of this addition protocol resulted in a negative inotropic effect of either 0.01 ng/ml LTD4 or LTC4. Verapamil and nifedipine significantly attenuated the positive inotropic and coronary constricting effect of 0.5 ng/ml LTC4 and LTD4. The addition of either LT following BAY K 8644 resulted in a negative inotropic effect, in contrast to the positive inotropic influence seen with leukotriene alone. Our results demonstrate a positive inotropic effect of low concentrations of LTC4 and LTD4 concomitant with coronary artery constriction, a phenomenon determined by leukotriene addition protocols and suggestive of LTC4/LTD4 receptor interaction. The effects of calcium channel antagonists and BAY K 8644 on the inotropic response suggest a leukotriene-mediated activation of the calcium channel resulting in increased intracellular calcium concentrations.

Voltage-clamp analysis of the ionic conductances in a leech neuron with a purely calcium-dependent action potential

1987 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 1468-1484 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Johansen ◽  
J. Yang ◽  
A. L. Kleinhaus
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Action Potential ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Outward Current ◽  
Time Constants ◽  
Exponential Time ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Ca Currents ◽  
Single Exponential

1. The purely calcium-dependent action potential of the anterior lateral giant (ALG) cell in the leech Haementeria was examined under voltage clamp. 2. Analysis with ion substitutions showed that the ALG cell action potential is generated by only two time- and voltage-dependent conductance systems, an inward Ca-dependent current (ICa) and an outward Ca-dependent K current IK(Ca). 3. The kinetic properties of the inward current were examined both in Cs-loaded neurons with Ca as the current carrier as well as in Ba-containing Ringer solutions with Ba as the current carrier, since Ba effectively blocked all time- and voltage-dependent outward current. 4. During a maintained depolarization, Ba and Ca currents activated with a time constant tau m, they then inactivated with the decay following a single exponential time course with a time constant tau h. The time constants for decay of both Ba and Ca currents were comparable, suggesting that the mechanism of inactivation of ICa in the ALG cell is largely voltage dependent. In the range of potentials from 5 to 45 mV, tau m varied from 8 to 2 ms and tau h varied from 250 to 125 ms. 5. The activation of currents carried by Ba, after correction for inactivation, could be described reasonably well by the expression I'Ba = I'Ba(infinity) [1--exp(-t/tau m)]. 6. The steady-state activation of the Ba-conductance mBa(infinity) increased sigmoidally with voltage and was approximated by the equation mBa(infinity) = (1 + exp[(Vh-6)/3])-1. The steady-state inactivation hBa(infinity) varied with holding potential and could be described by the equation hBa(infinity) = [1 + exp(Vh + 10/7)]-1. Recovery from inactivation of IBa was best described by the sum of two exponential time courses with time constants of 300 ms and 1.75 s, respectively. 7. The outward current IK(Ca) developed very slowly (0.5–1 s to half-maximal amplitude) and did not inactivate during a 20-s depolarizing command pulse. Tail current decay of IK(Ca) followed a single exponential time course with voltage-dependent time constants of between 360 and 960 ms. The steady-state activation n infinity of IK(Ca) increased sigmoidally with depolarization as described by the equation n infinity = [1 + exp(Vh-13.5)/-8)]-1. 8. The reversal potentials of IK(Ca) tail currents were close to the expected equilibrium potential for potassium and they varied linearly with log [K]o with a slope of 51 mV. These results suggest a high selectivity of the conductance for K ions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Correlation of light-induced changes in retinal extracellular potassium concentration with c-wave of the electroretinogram

1976 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 1117-1133 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Oakley ◽  
D. G. Green
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Potassium Concentration ◽  
Action Spectrum ◽  
Extracellular Potassium ◽  
Threshold Curve ◽  
Photoreceptor Layer ◽  
Extracellular Potassium Concentration ◽  
Increment Threshold ◽  
Induced Changes ◽  
Pigment Epithelial Cells

1. Double-barrel, potassium-specific microelectrodes have been used to measure light-induced transient changes in [K+]o in the frog eye cup preparation. These changes in [K+]o have been termed the potassioretinogram (KRG). 2. The KRG consists of two components: a rapid increase in [K+]o in the proximal retina and a slow decrease in [K+]o in the distal retina. 3. The KRG decrease has the rhodopsin action spectrum, is maximal in the photoreceptor layer, persists after aspartate treatment, and has an increment threshold curve which saturates at moderate background intensities. The rhodopsin rods are, therefore, most likely the only neurons which generate this ionic change, although the Muller (glial) cells may also be involved in this process. 4. The KRG decrease has the same time course as the c-wave of the electroretinogram for all variations in the stimulus parameters, including intensity, duration, and chromaticity. 5. It is suggested that the c-wave may be produced by the pigment epithelial cells as they hyperpolarize in response to the decrease in [K+]o around the photoreceptors.

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