Catecholamine-induced myocardial hypoxia in the presence of impaired coronary dilatability independent of external cardiac work∗

Isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rabbits. Protection by propranolol or labetalol: a proposed non-invasive procedure

Myocardial infarction is usually induced in small animals by means of invasive techniques based on mechanical coronary obstruction. As it has been reported that isoproterenol can cause ischemic myocardial alterations, lipid peroxide generation and procoagulant activity, we administered it to rabbits in order to induce a non-invasive myocardial infarction associated with above mentioned cardiovascular risk factors. Considerable ischemic alterations were observed in the animals treated with isoproterenol, including areas of myocardial necrosis, contraction band necrosis, increased plasma levels of cardiac necrosis markers (c-troponin I and myoglobin), and electrocardiographic modifications (ST segment changes and T wave inversion). The myocardial infarction was attributed to the inotropic activity of isoproterenol leading to intracellular calcium overload. The cardiac necrosis phenomena appear to be associated with isoproterenol-induced lipid peroxide generation (as shown by the decrease in plasma Vitamin E levels) and increased procoagulant activity (a shortened PTT). As this model of myocardial damage is based on the use of beta-stimulatory isoproterenol, the beta-blockers propranolol and labetalol were administered to isoproterenol-treated animals. Pretreatment with propranolol or labetalol counteracted the appearance of the myocardial histological alterations and the associated ECG and biochemical lesions. This protective activity was attributed to the beta-blockade. The results of this study demonstrate that myocardial infarction can be induced chemically and non-invasively in small laboratory animals. The procedure is proposed for the study of early ischemic myocardial lesions and the screening of drugs (such as beta-blockers) that can prevent myocardial necrosis damage and the associated risk factors.

Myocardial infarction non-invasively induced in rabbits by administering isoproterenol and vasopressin: protective effects exerted by verapamil+

Myocardial infarction is usually induced in small animals by means of invasive procedures: the aim of this study was to cause heart necrosis lesions by non-invasive means. We injected rabbits with isoproterenol (3 mg/kg, i.p.) and vasopressin (0.3 mg/kg/5 min, i.v.) alone and in combination, and studied their effects on myocardial histology, electrocardiographic profiles, the appearance of the plasma cardiac necrosis marker c-troponin I (c-TPN I), hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, heart rate), the coagulative process partial throboplastine time (PTT), and plasma nitric oxide (NO) levels. In the rabbits treated with vasopressin alone, the ischemic damage was associated with a decrease in NO values, and the appearance of electrocardiographic T-wave inversion and low plasma c-TPN I levels, whereas the animals treated with isoproterenol alone had necrotic bands in the myocardium, plasma c-TPN I, and electrocardiographic modifications (ST-segment changes and T-wave inversion). Combined treatment increased myocardial alterations such as contraction band necrosis, induced the appearance of specific hypoxic lesions such as areas of coagulative necrosis and leukocyte infiltration, and led to higher plasma c-TPN I levels and altered ECG profiles. Both drugs favored a decrease in plasma NO values and further alterations in hemodynamic parameters, such as higher blood pressure and greater procoagulant activity. The myocardial necrosis and modified cardiovascular parameters were attributed to calcium activated processes and the decrease in NO levels. As this model of myocardial damage involves the use of drugs that facilitate the opening of L-calcium channels, we also investigated their effects on cardiovascular parameters and heart histology after pretreatment with the calcium antagonist verapamil; this drug protected against the appearance of histological myocardial lesions, electrocardiographic alterations and high plasma c-TPN I levels, and prevented the hemodynamic and procoagulation changes, but did not affect the decrease in plasma NO values. The protective effects were attributed to the drug's calcium antagonist activity. In conclusion, the injection of isoproterenol and vasopressin induces a myocardial infarction non-invasively and seems to be suitable for studying early myocardial ischemic lesions and the effects of drugs interfering with myocardial damage and its related phenomena.

Cardiac efficiency

Efficiency is defined as the ratio of the energy delivered by a system to the energy supplied to it. Depending on the particular question being addressed, there exist a plethora of definitions of efficiency in medical texts, thus hampering their comparison. If only the ventricular work seen by the arterial system is under investigation, pressure-volume work will serve as a useful numerator. If, on the other hand, external and internal work together, i.e. the total mechanical work, is of interest, the pressure-volume area might be employed. Total myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) will be a useful denominator in the case of aerobic energy production. The MVO2 for the unloaded contraction must be assessed if, as in other energy transfer systems, net efficiency is to be addressed. If even smaller steps in the chain of energy transfer are to be investigated MVO2 for the arrested heart must be assessed. With an appropriate therapy, hemodynamic determinants can be varied, to improve cardiac efficiency. Nonetheless, measurement of all variables necessary for the calculation of efficiency remains a challenge, in particular in the clinical setting. Separation of the direct effects of drugs on efficiency is even more difficult, since hemodynamic conditions can hardly be controlled throughout the observation period, and changes in efficiency might be secondary to changes in hemodynamics. Whether the heart by itself employs mechanisms to improve its efficiency is still a matter of discussion: there is evidence that when oxygen supply decreases, the heart can switch from one substrate to a less costly one, or possibly can improve efficiency through better use of oxygen. Moreover, the heart seems to "sense" an even more decreased oxygen supply and reduce function in response. Myocardial stunning could be regarded as a protective mechanism as well, with function remaining depressed and the oxygen supply being normal or close to normal. One may conclude from the decreased efficiency that the excess oxygen consumption is used up for repair processes. The improved efficiency found in hypertrophied hearts represents another adaptive process. The underlying mechanism is unclear: a shift towards isomyosin V3 or some undefined shift in metabolic pathway is discussed. It is also still a moot question towards which objective the efficiency of the heart is adjusted. It has been described that under physiologic conditions, the efficiency of both the left and the right ventricle ought to be maximized.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adrenergic effects on the biology of the adult mammalian cardiocyte

BACKGROUND

To delineate the mechanism(s) of catecholamine-mediated cardiac toxicity, we exposed cultures of adult cardiac muscle cells, or cardiocytes, to a broad range of norepinephrine concentrations.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Norepinephrine stimulation resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in cardiocyte viability, as demonstrated by a significant decrease in viable rod-shaped cells and a significant release of creatine kinase from cells in norepinephrine-treated cultures. Norepinephrine-mediated cell toxicity was attenuated significantly by beta-adrenoceptor blockade and mimicked by selective stimulation of the beta-adrenoceptor, whereas the effects mediated by the alpha-adrenoceptor were relatively less apparent. When norepinephrine stimulation was examined in terms of cardiocyte anabolic activity, there was a concentration-dependent decrease in the incorporation of [3H]phenylalanine and [3H]uridine into cytoplasmic protein and nuclear RNA, respectively. The decrease in cytoplasmic labeling was largely attenuated by beta-adrenoceptor blockade and mimicked by selective stimulation of the beta-adrenoceptor, but alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation resulted in relatively minor decreases in cytoplasmic labeling. The norepinephrine-induced toxic effect appeared to be the result of cyclic AMP-mediated calcium overload of the cell, as suggested by studies in which pharmacological strategies that increased intracellular cyclic AMP led to decreased cell viability, as well as studies that showed that influx of extracellular calcium through the verapamil-sensitive calcium channel was necessary for the induction of cell lethality. Additional time-course studies showed that norepinephrine caused a rapid, fourfold increase in intracellular cyclic AMP, followed by a 3.2-fold increase in intracellular calcium [( Ca2+]i).

CONCLUSIONS

These results constitute the initial demonstration at the cellular level that adrenergic stimulation leads to cyclic AMP-mediated calcium overload of the cell, with a resultant decrease in synthetic activity and/or viability.

Inotropic stimulation and oxygen consumption in a canine model of dilated cardiomyopathy

Inotropic support for the dilated, failing ventricle results in complex hemodynamic changes affecting preload, afterload, contractility, and heart rate, each of which affects myocardial oxygen consumption. Appreciation of a hierarchy of hemodynamic determinants of myocardial oxygen consumption may be helpful to the clinician trying to balance oxygen demands and hemodynamic performance. We tested the hypothesis that epinephrine alters the hierarchy of hemodynamic determinants of myocardial oxygen consumption in a canine model of dilated cardiomyopathy created by rapid ventricular pacing. Dogs (n = 10) were instrumented to record left ventricular pressure and dimension, and a modified right heart bypass preparation was used to control left ventricular workload. Coronary sinus effluent was quantitatively collected and analyzed for oxygen content and used to calculate myocardial oxygen consumption. Epinephrine administration significantly increased myocardial oxygen consumption in the empty, beating heart; however, when the relationships of multiple determinants of left ventricular work and load were compared before and after epinephrine administration, no oxygen wasting effect was observed. Using multivariate linear regression analysis, a hierarchy of hemodynamic determinants of myocardial oxygen consumption was created. In the untreated heart, stroke work and cardiac output were the primary hemodynamic determinants of oxygen consumption; epinephrine significantly altered the determinants such that wall stress became the dominant hemodynamic determinant of myocardial oxygen consumption. Focused manipulation of wall stress in the treated, failing heart may limit the potentially deleterious effects of inotropic stimulation in this setting.

Management of myocardial infarction shock: current status

Major advances have occurred over the last two decades in the management of myocardial infarction shock, increasing the overall in-hospital survival rate from approximately 15% to more than 50% at the present time with aggressive methods of interventional cardiology. The widespread use of intravenous thrombolytic therapy during the early hours of myocardial infarction has resulted in a decreasing incidence of shock with first myocardial infarctions. Three mechanisms bring about cardiogenic shock: (1) extensive aggregate systolic left ventricular dysfunction, (2) extensive right ventricular infarction, and (3) mechanical defects of the left and/or right ventricles attendant to ischemic dysfunction or rupture. To permit survival in cardiogenic shock, even with maximally aggressive therapy, diagnostic evaluation must be carried out concurrently with clinical stabilization of the patient. IABC is the mainstay for supporting the patient in shock during further efforts at diagnosis and definitive therapy. Definitive therapy for cardiogenic shock may include percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, emergent bypass surgery, or repair of a mechanical defect. This report details the current status of knowledge with respect to pathogenesis, recognition, and definitive treatment of myocardial infarction shock.

Clinical utility of exercise, pacing, and pharmacologic stress testing for the noninvasive determination of myocardial contractility and reserve

The ability of the left ventricle to modulate its performance is an important and integral component in the cardiovascular system's adaptive response to increased workload. Abnormalities in ventricular contractility can blunt this response and thus significantly limit the patient's functional capacity. The accurate determination and quantitation of cardiac contractility and reserve is a difficult task in the symmetrically contracting ventricle and more so when regional contraction abnormalities are present. Moreover, derangements in other physiologic variables, such as ventricular loading conditions, heart rate, systemic vascular tone, cardiac autonomic function, and pulmonary gas exchange, can diminish cardiopulmonary reserve. This report relates the determinants of myocardial oxygen demand and efficiency to the currently available forms of exercise, pacing, and pharmacologic stress testing. Within this framework, commonly used as well as newer approaches to the noninvasive assessment of stress-induced changes in left ventricular performance and contractility are addressed. In addition, several examples are presented in which noninvasive techniques for assessing intracardiac structures, pressures, and flows (eg, echo/Doppler, radionuclide angiography, rapid acquisition computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging) are combined with various cardiovascular stress tests to achieve more reliable measures of myocardial contractility and reserve.

Relation between graded, subcritical impairments of coronary flow reserve and regional myocardial dysfunction induced by isoproterenol infusion in dogs

Isoproterenol has been used experimentally and clinically to elicit ischemia. The usefulness of this approach, however, in eliciting regional dysfunction in the presence of mild to moderate single-vessel coronary disease quantitated on the basis of coronary flow reserve measurements has not been previously defined. Open-chest, anesthetized dogs were instrumented with an electromagnetic flow probe, high-fidelity micromanometers, and subendocardial ultrasonic crystals. A rigid, screw occluder was used to produce five subcritical coronary stenoses in each dog associated with varying impairment of postocclusion reactive hyperemia at rest but no impairment of resting coronary blood flow. Regional function at rest and in response to the isoproterenol challenge (0.25 micrograms/kg/min) in nonstenotic and stenotic conditions was assessed. Relative regional function was maintained during the infusion until nearly total loss of coronary flow reserve. With this near-critical stenosis, function was lower than in the nonstenotic state but remained greater than resting control values. Moderate impairments of coronary flow reserve were not associated with isoproterenol-induced deterioration of regional function. In conclusion, detection of impaired coronary flow reserve at rest is a more sensitive index of the severity of a coronary stenosis than is detection of regional dysfunction during isoproterenol challenge. Failure to maintain the expected isoproterenol-induced increase in regional function is manifested only when stenoses are associated with nearly total loss of resting coronary flow reserve. This suggests that the clinical use of isoproterenol challenge is not effective in eliciting regional dysfunction when mild coronary disease is present.

Sudden death and vigorous exercise--a study of 60 deaths associated with squash

The circumstances surrounding 60 sudden deaths (59 men, one woman) associated with squash playing are described. The mean age (SD) of those who died was 46 (10.3) years (range 22-66 years). Necropsy reports were available in 51. The certified cause of death was coronary artery disease in 51 cases, valvar heart disease in four, cardiac arrhythmia in two cases, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in one case. There were only two deaths from non-cardiac causes. Forty five of those who died had reported prodromal symptoms, the most common of which was chest pain, and 22 were known to have had at least one medical condition related to the cardiovascular system during life, the most common of which was systemic hypertension (14 subjects). Those dying from coronary artery disease had a high frequency of risk factors. Some of these deaths might have been prevented by appropriate counselling of players after prospective medical screening, which would have detected most of the patients with overt cardiovascular disease and some of those with subclinical coronary artery disease.

Reducing the prevalence of exercise related cardiac death

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Sudden death in squash players

A series of thirty sudden deaths (twenty-nine men, one woman) associated with squash playing is described. The subjects' mean age was 46.7 +/- SD 9.58 years (range 22-66). Necropsy results were available for twenty-seven subjects. Significant coronary heart disease (CHD) was found in twenty-three, valvular heart disease in three, and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy in one, and cardiac arrhythmia, in the absence of other pathology, was thought to have preceded death in two. One subject died from intracerebral haemorrhage. Twenty-two had reported prodromal symptoms, and of those with CHD, sixteen had had at least one identifiable CHD risk factor. Twelve subjects had been known by their family physician to have a medical disorder related to the cardiovascular system.

Ambulatory electrocardiography in squash players

Ambulatory electrocardiography was carried out in 21 healthy, fit, male squash players (aged 23-43 years) before, during, and after match play. Resulting electrocardiograms were analysed with respect to heart rate and changes in rhythm. The results indicate that squash increases the heart rate to 80% of an individual's predicted maximum heart rate for the duration of a game. Ventricular arrhythmias were detected in seven of the subjects during play and in seven in the immediate post-exercise period, an incidence which was not reproduced on subsequent maximal treadmill exercise testing. This study indicates that squash is a physiologically demanding sport which places a severe strain on the myocardium for considerable periods of time and is capable of generating cardiac arrhythmias. These findings are particularly important for an individual already at risk of sudden death from coronary artery disease or structural cardiovascular abnormalities. Medical advice before participation in the game will identify those at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Subjects in this study who developed arrhythmias were not, however, identified by history, examination, or exercise electrocardiography. Thus, it seems unwise to begin playing squash after the age of 40 years. Whether subjects in this age group already participating in the game should continue to play remains a matter for individual judgment.

Serial plasma catecholamine response early in the course of clinical acute myocardial infarction: relationship to infarct extent and mortality

Clinical and experimental evidence suggest that sympathoadrenal activation contributes to mortality in patients with ischemic heart disease. To determine the level of sympathoadrenal activation in the very early phase of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to determine if location of infarction (anterior versus inferior) was related to sympathoadrenal activation, we studied norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) within 4 hours after the onset of symptoms and prior to any rise in plasma creatine kinase (CK). Mean (+/- SE) initial (NE = 591 +/- 111 pg/ml and E = 73 +/- 19 pg/ml), peak (NE = 1356 +/- 178 and E +/- 1098 +/- 608) and average (NE = 815 +/- 142 and E = 252 +/- 68) plasma catecholamine concentrations were considerably above normal (NE = 228 +/- 10 and E = 34 +/- 2 pg/ml, n 60) and values were similar for inferior and anterior infarctions. During an 18-month follow-up, three patients died in whom the AMI mean NE and E and peak CK were higher than in the eight late survivors. Thus the three AMI patients with peak EP values greater than 1000 died, whereas the eight AMI patients with peak EP values less than 1000 survived (p less than 0.01). The magnitude of sympathoadrenal activation early in the course of clinical AMI appeared related to the extent of myocardial damage and late mortality.

Inotropic drugs in acute circulatory failure

The use of inotropic drugs in patients requiring acute circulatory support is reviewed. A knowledge of their various peripheral effects is essential if the appropriate drug is to be used. The place or pressor amines, digitalis, salbutamol and glucagon in the treatment of patients with poor tissue perfusion is limited. Of the catecholamines, adrenaline causes excessive renal vasoconstriction and peripheral gangrene, noradrenaline increase myocardial work and diminishes peripheral perfusion and isoprenaline distributes blood away from the vital organs, namely: brain, kidneys, heart and mesentery. Dopamine is a useful agent as it enhances renal blood flow in low doses and is not excessively chronotropic. Dobutamine has not yet been shown to have significant advantages over other inotropes and requires further examination.

Electrocardiography in myocardial infarction

Electrocardiography is an evolving clinical diagnostic modality for detection of acute myocardial infarction. Animal studies and electrocardiographic-clinical-pathological correlations have provided experience currently used for detection and rough localization of myocardial infarcts. Additions to the conventional 12 electrocardiographic leads have been utilized to increase the diagnostic sensitivity of the ECG in the setting of myocardial infarction. Mapping of ST-segment elevation an QRS complex from several chest wall loci have been employed for purposes of quantitating serially myocardial ischemic injury and eventual necrosis. These multiple lead electrocardiographic systems have also been utilized in assessing therapeutic interventions in the Coronary Care Unit. Usefulness of standard and multiple-lead recording systems is enhanced by awareness of their limitations when applied to patients with acute myocardial infarction.

A possible role of noradrenaline in the development of myocardial infarction: an experimental study in the isolated rat heart

Isolated rat hearts were perfused with buffer containing noradrenaline 10(-7) to 10(-4) M. A dose-dependent depletion of glycogen and ATP were seen together with a leakage of ASAT and creatine phosphokinase (CK). The damage induced by noradrenaline could be prevented by addition of a beta-blocker (metoprolol), verapamil, or lidocaine to the perfusion medium. When the endogenous myocardial stores of noradrenaline are rapidly depleted by perfusion with tyramine a similar cell damage was demonstrated. Electron micrographs from hearts subjected to noradrenaline showed three different types of cell damage that could be correlated to earlier described findings. The importance of noradrenaline for the ischemic injury was demonstrated. It was hypothesized that acute myocardial infarction may start because of a sudden release of endogenous noradrenaline.

Improved survival after coronary bypass surgery in patients with poor left ventricular function: role of intraaortic balloon counterpulsation

The operative mortality rate of aortocoronary bypass surgery in 23 patients with poor left ventricular function (ejection fraction 0.30 or less) operated on in 1973-74 was 34.7 percent. The incidence rate of operative myocardial infarction was 30.4 percent. In an attempt to improve survival, intraaortic balloon counterpulsation was used therafter in 25 similar patients. Counterpulsation was instituted preoperatively and continued intra- and postoperatively for 2 to 5 days. Preoperative studies revealed an "unloading" effect of the left ventricle, with significant reductions of systolic arterial blood pressure, end-diastolic pulmonary arterial pressure and end-diastolic left ventricular volume and pressure. Metabolic improvement was demonstrated by the lesser production of myocardial lactate after pacing-induced tachycardia when the ventricle was balloon-assisted. Intraoperatively, blood flow through the vein graft was found to increase with counterpulsation. The rate of operative myocardial infarction was reduced to 4 percent and the mortality rate to 8 percent. In patients who have sustained a significant loss of functioning myocardium, the beneficial hemodynamic and metabolic effects of intraaortic balloon counterpulsation appear to prevent furhter, possibly critical, myocardial damage in the perioperative period.

Effects of propranolol on coronary hemodynamic and metabolic responses to tachycardia stress in patients with and without coronary disease

To clarify the influence of propranolol-and particularly its heart-rate effects-on myocardial ischemia, coronary hemodynamics and metabolism were studied in 15 patients utilizing a protocol to control heart rate. Ten patients had significant coronary narrowing (CAD) and 5 were normal. Systemic pressure, coronary sinus blood flow (CSBF), left ventricular oxygen utilization (LVVO2), ST Segment depression, and myocardial lactate extraction were measured before and after propranolol (10 mg IV), at rest, during pacing-induced tachycardia stress. Propranolol-related reduction in CSBF and LVVO2 at rest was reversed when heart rate was controlled in both patient groups. Propranolol failed to alter heart-rate threshold, tension-time index (TTI), CSBF, or LVVO2 at angina in the CAD patients. Likewise, ischemic-type ST depression, decreases in lactate extraction, and coronary resistance were unchanged compared to values observed during tachycardia stress before propranolol. In normal coronary patients, propranolol also produced no significant change in LVVO2 or coronary resistance when its heart rate effects were controlled. These data imply that a major coronary and metabolic influence of propranolol relates to changes occurring secondary to its influence on heart rate. Furthermore, this agent's anti-ischemic effect is not prominent during tachycardia stress suggesting that this stress test may be clinically useful in patients taking propranolol.

Attenuation of cardiac sympathetic drive in experimental myocardial ischemia in dogs

Sympathetic discharges to the heart were recorded from the left inferior cardiac nerve of 16 dogs. Inferior cardiac nerve activity (ICNA) under normal conditions consisted of grouped discharges, synchronous with the cardiac cycle and modulated by respiration. After ligation of the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery, ICNA declined concomitant with a decline in heart rate and mean aortic pressure. After 30 minutes, when arterial pressure tended to recover toward control values (six dogs), ICNA remained low; in contrast, when arterial pressure dropped to shock levels (three dogs), ICNA increaed. When aortic pressure fell precipitously as a result of ventricular fibrillation, even during the first 30 minutes of ischemia (seven dogs), ICNA immediately increased greatly. The results of this study suggest that acute coronary occlusion produces a cardiocardiac depressor reflex with attenuation of sympathetic discharge to the heart. This reflex, under the experimental conditions studied, gives way to the baroreceptor reflex when aortic pressure drops to critically low levels.

Metabolism of free fatty acids, glucose and catecholamines in acute myocardial infarction. Relation to myocardial ischemia and infarct size

The myocardial metabolism of free fatty acids, glucose and catecholamines is reviewed in relation to current trends in the therapy of experimental myocardial infarction. Major modifications in the metabolism of free fatty acids, glucose and catecholamines have already been found after acute myocardial infarction in man, and animal experimental data suggest that such metabolic changes might play a role in the modification of infarct size and sometimes in the development of arrhythmias. However, animal experiments often represent extreme situations and the therapeutic use in man of agents to modify the metabolism of free fatty acids, glucose or catecholamines after myocardial infarction needs intensive investigation before general application. The sum total of the evidence from animal experiments suggests that increased circulating concentrations of free fatty acids and catecholamines, if sufficiently high, may be harmful rather than helpful to the outcome of acute myocardial infarction, and that increased provision of glucose (as glucose, insulin and potassium) may be beneficial. Reservations to these conclusions are that the concentrations used appear to be important factors in catecholamine and free fatty acid effects, and that the mechanism of action of glucose-insulin-potassium is more complex than originally thought.

Dopamine induced relaxation of isolated canine renal, mesenteric, and femoral arteries contracted with prostaglandin F2-alpha

The purpose of this investigation was to develop a system for studying the effects of dopamine on isolated blood vessels. Canine renal, mesenteric, and small femoral arteries (less than 1 mm outside diameter) were exposed to phenoxybenzamine 10-5 M for one hour and contracted with prostaglandin F2-alpha. Cumulative concentrations of dopamine ranging from 10-6 to 10-4 M caused dose-related relaxation of the arteries. Propranolol 10-6 M did not affect the relaxation in concentrations which markedly antagonized the effects of isoproterenol. Large femoral arteries (greater than 1 mm outside diameter) did not relax with similar concentrations of dopamine. N-methyldopamine (epinine) produced similar relaxation; 3-methoxytyramine was inactive. Specific antagonism could not be demonstrated by the postulated dopamine antagonists-haloperidol, chlorpromazine, apomorphine, or bulbocapnine-in concentrations up to 10-5 M. Higher concentration of these agents could not be used because they caused the arteries to relax. This study demonstrated that PGF2-alpha-contracted arteries pretreated with phenoxybenzamine are suitable for further investigations of putative dopamine agonists and antagonists.

Phentolamine for vasodilator therapy in left ventricular failure complicating acute myocardial infarction. Haemodynamic study

In 15 patients with acute myocardial infarction associated with signs of left ventricular dysfunction, phentolamine was infused intravenously in a dose of 10 mg per hour. This therapy induced a substantial reduction in mean right atrial pressure from 10 to 7 mmHg (1.3 to 0.9 kPa) (P) less than 0.001), and in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure from 20 to 13 mmHg (2.7 to 1.7 kPa) (P less than 0.001). The cardiac index increased from 2.5 to 3.0 1/min per m-minus 2 (P less than 0.001) accompanied by a fall in both the systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances (P less than 0.001). On the other hand, the mean stroke work index did not change significantly after phentolamine, because of tar resistance. With the dose used the mean arterial pressure decreased from 112 to 99 mmHg (14.9 to 13.2 kPa) (P less than 0.001). No adverse effects attributable to the drug treatment were noted. Benefits of this treatment are probably related to reduction in the impedance of left ventricular ejection and possibly to its relaxant effect on the venous tone. The drug may also improve subendocardial perfusion by decreasing left diastolic ventricular pressure. This could possibly limit extension of necrosis. Thus vasodilator therapy appears to be of particular interest in left ventricular failure complicating acute myocardial infarction, where inotropic agents may be contraindicated.

Changes in myocardial blood flow and S-T segment elevation following coronary artery occlusion in dogs

The relationship between regional blood flow and epicardial S-T segment elevation was studied in 26 open-chest anesthetized dogs with left anterior coronary artery ligations. Changes in myocardial blood flow, measured with 15 plus or minus 5mu (diameter) microspheres labeled with 141-Ce, 85-Sr, and 169-Yb, were correlated with summated S-T segment elevations 15 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours after coronary artery occlusion. In normal areas, myocardial blood flow was 113 plus or minus 5 ml/min 100 g- minus 1 and summated S-T segment elevation was 0.3 plus or minus 0.2 mv. Fifteen minutes after coronary artery occlusion in 26 dogs, S-T segment elevation was 5.7 plus or minus 0.7 mv over the center of the infarct and myocardial blood flow was 10 plus or minus 1 ml/min 100 g- minus 1; over the border zone, myocardial blood flow was 63 plus or minus 4 ml/min 100 g- minus 1 and S-T segment elevation was 3.1 plus or minus 0.1 mv. One third of the areas with a myocardial blood flow of 10 ml/min 100 g- minus 1 or less had no S-T segment elevation. In the center and border zones of the infarct in 9 dogs, myocardial blood flow increased from 11 plus or minus 2 and 67 plus or minus 8 ml/min 100 g- minus 1 15 minutes after occlusion to 20 plus or minus 4 and 84 plus or minus 12 ml/min 100 g- minus 1, respectively, 2 hours after coronary artery occlusion. These increases were not associated with a significant reduction in summated S-T segment elevation. The results do not suggest a simple quantitative relationship between epicardial S-T segment elevation and myocardial blood flow following acute coronary artery occlusion.

Sudden death and sport

Of 21 sudden deaths in sportsmen, 18 were thought to be caused by heart attacks either during or after sport. There was firm evidence of ischaemic heart-disease in 9, strongly suggestive evidence in 7, but in 2 there was only suggestive clinical evidence. As a group, these subjects were characterised by (1) a mean age above thirty (above twenty-five for rugby players); (2) a family history of early heart-attacks; and (3) antecedent symptoms of chest pain or pressure in 9, fatigue or blackout in 4, and minor complaints in 2. Most were known to their medical practitioners. Psychological factors were thought to be important in 8. Doctors, players and referees should be aware that severe sporting exertion as in rugby football involves a risk which for most players is relatively minor, but in the minority predisposed to heart-attacks by family history, smoking, or age (as in referees) the risk is more serious. To reduce hazard of sudden death in exercise, players and referees should be warned against smoking and informed of the serious implications of the development of chest pain, pressure, or undue tiredness before, during, or after sport.

Effect of isoproterenol,l-norepinephrine, and intraaortic counterpulsation on hemodynamics and myocardial metabolism in shock following acute myocardial infarction

The effects of isoproterenol, l -norepinephrine, and intraaortic counterpulsation on hemodynamics and myocardial metabolism were evaluated in shock due to acute myocardial infarction. Before treatment, the cardiac index was markedly reduced, averaging 1.35 liters/min/m 2 . Mean aortic pressures ranged from 40 to 65 mm Hg. Decreases in coronary blood flow (mean, 68 ml/100 g/min) and in myocardial oxygen consumption (mean, 8.11 ml/100 g/min) were associated with abnormally high myocardial oxygen extractions (mean, 78%) and with lactate production (mean, 9%). Isoproterenol increased cardiac index 63% and heart rate 26%. Coronary blood flow rose an average of 12 ml/100 g/min in the face of decreased diastolic aortic pressure. Rate of myocardial lactate production increased. l -Norepinephrine increased mean aortic pressure and coronary blood flow an average of 21 mm Hg and 27 ml/100 g/min. Mean myocardial oxygen consumption rose 2.24 ml/100 g/min. While myocardial lactate production shifted to extraction (mean, 12%), myocardial oxygen extraction remained abnormally high (mean, 73%). Cardiac index did not change. Intraaortic counterpulsation increased mean aortic pressure and coronary blood flow an average of 15 mm Hg and 23 ml/100 g/min. Myocardial oxygen consumption remained essentially unchanged. Both myocardial lactate and oxygen extraction improved toward normal values (15 and 61%). Cardiac index increased an average of 0.45 liters/min/m 2 .

Hemodynamics and myocardial metabolism then were markedly abnormal in shock due to acute myocardial infarction. Isoproterenol improved cardiac performance but myocardial oxygenation deteriorated. Therefore isoproterenol does not seem to be helpful in coronary shock. 1 -Norepinephrine improved myocardial perfusion and oxygenation, but did not change cardiac output. It appears to be the vasoactive agent of choice in the initial treatment of coronary shock. Intraaortic counterpulsation changed myocardial metabolism toward normal and improved systemic perfusion. Mortality remained unchanged however during the three different therapeutic interventions emphasizing the importance of early recognition of the shock state and of further aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic management.

The effects of intra-aortic counterpulsation on cardiac performance and metabolism in shock associated with acute myocardial infarction

The effect of intra-aortic counterpulsation (IACP, 22-94 hr) on hemodynamics and cardiac energetics was evaluated in 10 patients in shock after acute myocardial infarction. The data clearly indicate that IACP improves myocardial oxygenation, enhances peripheral perfusion, and probably improves myocardial contractility in the severely diseased heart. Before treatment, decreases in cardiac index (mean value, 1.22 liter/min per m(2)), systolic ejection rate (67 ml/sec), and time-tension index per minute (1280 mm Hg.sec/min) were observed. Systemic vascular resistance varied widely. Low coronary blood flow (68 ml/min per 100 g) was associated with increased myocardial oxygen extraction (79%), low coronary sinus oxygen tension (20 mm Hg), and abnormal myocardial lactate-pyruvate metabolism. During 4-6 hr of IACP, systolic pressure and left ventricular outflow resistance decreased by 18% and 24%, respectively, while cardiac index improved by 38%. Diastolic arterial pressure rose 98%. Increase in coronary blood flow from an average of 68 to 91 ml/100 g per min (P < 0.001) was significantly correlated with rise in mean arterial pressure (r = 0.685). This correlation was best expressed in a third-order curve, which intercepts the point of no flow at a mean aortic pressure of 30 mm Hg. The flow-pressure curve is relatively flat above 65-70 mm Hg, but becomes steeper as mean aortic pressure falls below this point. Myocardial oxygen consumption remained essentially unchanged during early IACP and tended to rise during the later stages. However, the relationship of cardiac work performed to oxygen availability was markedly improved. Myocardial lactate production of 6% shifted to 15% extraction (P < 0.001). After termination of IACP, hemodynamics and myocardial perfusion and metabolism remained improved in the four patients who could be reevaluated. Although the acute shock state was reversed in all patients, only one left the hospital. Extensive myocardial damage limits the long-term survival of such patients. Therefore early IACP seems desirable, when subtle evidence of pump failure after acute myocardial infarction occurs. Early use of IACP may prevent the development of severe coronary shock or may stabilize cardiac energetics in severe shock facilitating subsequent surgical intervention.

Electrocardiographic effects of isoprenaline in normal subjects and patients with coronary atherosclerosis

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Factors influencing infarct size following experimental coronary artery occlusions

The purpose of this study was the determination of whether hemodynamic and pharmacologic factors influence the extent and severity of myocardial necrosis produced by coronary occlusion. In 48 dogs, 10 to 14 epicardial leads were recorded on the anterior surface of the left ventricle in the distribution and vicinity of the site of occlusion of a branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The average S-T segment elevation for each animal was determined at 5-min intervals after occlusion. This elevation was used as an index of the presence and severity of myocardial ischemic injury. The number of sites showing this elevation provided an additional measure of the size of the injured area. Occlusion alone raised the average S-T segment elevation from 0.22 ± 0.04 to 3.32 ± 0.37 mv (SEM). Isoproterenol, ouabain, glucagon, bretylium, and tachycardia given prior to a repeated occlusion increased the severity and extent of ischemic injury, while propranolol decreased it. Elevation of arterial pressure with methoxamine reduced the occlusion-induced S-T segment elevation, and lowering of the mean arterial pressure by hemorrhage had the opposite effect. In 19 additional experiments, propranolol, isoproterenol, and alterations in arterial pressure produced similar alterations in S-T segment elevation when these interventions were applied as long as 3 hr after ligation. In a third group of dogs, myocardial creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity was determined 24 hr after occlusion at the same sites at which epicardial electrocardiograms were taken. Depression of myocardial CPK activity in injured portions of the left ventricle 24 hr after coronary artery ligation correlated well with S-T segment elevation in the same sites 15 min after ligation. Moreover, isoproterenol increased and propranolol decreased the area of depression of myocardial CPK activity. We conclude that the hemodynamic status and neurohumoral background at the time of occlusion and for up to 3 hr thereafter can alter the extent and severity of myocardial ischemic injury and myocardial necrosis.

Cardiovascular effects of sustained norepinephrine infusions in dogs. IV. Previous treatment with adrenergic blocking agents

Sustained infusions of norepinephrine (NE) are known to produce deleterious pathophysiologic effects on the circulatory system. The mechanisms responsible for these effects were investigated in 25 dogs; 17 were treated with selective block of alpha receptors by phenoxybenzamine or of beta receptors by propranolol, or by both agents, and then infused with NE (4 µg.kg -1 .min -1 ) for 4 hours; 8 control animals were given only adrenergic blocking agents. Left ventricular and systemic pressure, cardiac output and arterial blood gases were measured at selected intervals throughout the infusion period, and histologic examinations of the heart and other vital organs were performed at the conclusion of each study. In animals with alpha-receptor blockade, NE infusions were associated with extensive subendocardial hemorrhage and focal myofiber fatty degeneration, yet blood pressure, cardiac output, and derived cardiac work parameters were well maintained. In animals with beta-receptor blockade, NE caused minimal pathologic changes in the heart despite significant reduction in cardiac output, minute and stroke work, and significant increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and peripheral vascular resistance. In animals receiving combined alpha- and beta-receptor blockade, NE infusions were not associated with significant hemodynamic or morphologic abnormality. These findings indicate: (1) the hemodynamic abnormalities are the result of the action of NE mediated primarily through alpha receptors; (2) the morphologic changes are produced by NE mediated mostly through beta receptors; and (3) the reductions in cardiac output and minute and stroke work and the increase in LVEDP produced by sustained NE infusions are not necessarily a consequence of the pathologic changes which develop in the heart muscle.

Hemodynamics, coronary blood flow, and myocardial metabolism in coronary shock; response of 1-norepinephrine and isoproterenol

Hemodynamics and myocardial metabolism were evaluated in 18 patients in cardiogenic shock following acute myocardial infarction. The response to l-norepinephrine was studied in seven cases and the response to isoproterenol in four cases. Cardiac index (CI) was markedly reduced, averaging 1.35 liters/min per m(2). Mean arterial pressure ranged from 40 to 65 mm Hg while systemic vascular resistance varied widely, averaging 1575 dyne-sec-cm(-5). Coronary blood flow (CBF) was decreased in all but three patients (range 60-95, mean 71 ml/100 g per min). Myocardial oxygen consumption (MV(O2)) was normal or increased ranging from 5.96 to 11.37 ml/100 g per min. Myocardial oxygen extraction was above 70% and coronary sinus oxygen tension was below 22 mm Hg in most of the patients. The detection of the abnormal oxygen pattern in spite of sampling of mixed coronary venous blood indicates the severity of myocardial hypoxia. In 15 studies myocardial lactate production was demonstrated; in the remaining three lactate extraction was below 10%. Excess lactate was present in 12 patients. During l-norepinephrine infusion CI increased insignificantly. Increased arterial pressure was associated in all patients by increases in CBF, averaging 28% (P < 0.01). Myocardial metabolism improved. Increases in MV(O2) mainly paralled increases in CBF. Myocardial lactate production shifted to extraction in three patients and extraction improved in three. During isoproterenol infusion CI increased uniformly, averaging 61%. Mean arterial pressure remained unchanged but diastolic arterial pressure fell. CBF increased in three patients, secondary to decrease in CVR. Myocardial lactate metabolism deteriorated uniformly; lactate production increased or extraction shifted to production. In the acute state of coronary shock the primary therapeutic concern should be directed towards the myocardium and not towards peripheral circulation. Since forward and collateral flow through the severely diseased coronary bed depends mainly on perfusion pressure, l-norepinephrine appears to be superior to isoproterenol; phase-shift balloon pumping may be considered early when pharmacologic therapy is unsuccessful.