Relationship between the level of cAMP and the contractile force under stimulation of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors by phenylephrine in the isolated rabbit papillary muscle

Signal transduction and Ca2+ signaling in intact myocardium

The experimental procedures to simultaneously detect contractile activity and Ca(2+) transients by means of the Ca(2+) sensitive bioluminescent protein aequorin in multicellular preparations, and the fluorescent dye indo-1 in single myocytes, provide powerful tools to differentiate the regulatory mechanisms of intrinsic and external inotropic interventions in intact cardiac muscle. The regulatory process of cardiac excitation-contraction coupling is classified into three categories; upstream (Ca(2+) mobilization), central (Ca(2+) binding to troponin C), and/or downstream (thin filament regulation of troponin C property or crossbridge cycling and crossbridge cycling activity itself) mechanisms. While a marked increase in contractile activity by the Frank-Starling mechanism is associated with only a small alteration in Ca(2+) transients (downstream mechanism), the force-frequency relationship is primarily due to a frequency-dependent increase of Ca(2+) transients (upstream mechanism) in mammalian ventricular myocardium. The characteristics of regulation induced by beta- and alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation are very different between the two mechanisms: the former is associated with a pronounced facilitation of an upstream mechanism, whereas the latter is primarily due to modulation of central and/or downstream mechanisms. alpha-Adrenoceptor-mediated contractile regulation is mimicked by endothelin ET(A)- and angiotensin II AT(1)-receptor stimulation. Acidosis markedly suppresses the regulation induced by Ca(2+) mobilizers, but certain Ca(2+) sensitizers are able to induce the positive inotropic effect with central and/or downstream mechanisms even under pathophysiological conditions.

No evidence for mediation of ischemic preconditioning by alpha 1-adrenergic signal transduction pathway or protein kinase C in the isolated rat heart

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of activation of the alpha 1-adrenergic signal transduction pathway and of protein kinase C (PKC) in the mechanism of protection of functional recovery by ischemic preconditioning in the isolated perfused rat heart. After a stabilization period, nonpreconditioned and preconditioned isolated perfused rat hearts were subjected to sustained ischemia for 25 and 30 minutes of reperfusion. Preconditioning consisted of three episodes of 5 minutes of ischemia, interspersed with 5 minutes of reperfusion. The endpoint was postischemic functional recovery. The effectiveness of preconditioning in the presence of the alpha 1-adrenergic blocker prazosin, the selective PKC blockers chelerythrine and bisindolylmaleimide (BIM), and the ability of repetitive alpha 1-adrenergic activation to mimic preconditioning were compared with the appropriate nonpreconditioned and preconditioned control groups. Alpha 1-adrenergic blockade with prazosin (3 x 10(-7) M) during the preconditioning phase did not abolish the protective effect of preconditioning on functional recovery, and repeated intermittent alpha 1-adrenergic activation with phenylephrine in different concentrations (1 x 10(-8) to 3 x 10(-5) M) did not mimic the protective effect of preconditioning. PKC blockade with the selective PKC inhibitors, chelerythrine (10 microM) and BIM (4 microM), did not abolish the protective effect of preconditioning on functional recovery is isolated perfused rat hearts when given either during the preconditioning phase or shortly before the onset of sustained ischemia. The characteristic metabolic changes of preconditioning during sustained ischemia, namely, energy sparing as manifested in reduced accumulation of lactate, were also not abolished by preconditioning in the presence of selective PKC blockers. We conclude that no evidence could be found for alpha 1-adrenergic or PKC activation in the mechanism of ischemic preconditioning in the isolated rat heart.

Effects of coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion on the idioventricular rate in anesthetized dogs

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the effects of alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic receptor blockade on the changes in idioventricular rate induced by occlusion and reperfusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery in anesthetized dogs.

BACKGROUND

Because sinus rate usually exceeds idioventricular rate, the experimental induction of complete atrioventricular (AV) block may improve the definition of the effects of coronary occlusion and reperfusion on idioventricular pacemaker mechanisms.

METHODS

We injected formaldehyde into the AV node to induce complete AV block in 35 chloralose-anesthetized dogs. Animals were assigned to untreated (n = 22), prazosin-treated (n = 6) and propranolol-treated (n = 7) groups. We paced the hearts at 120 beats/min during a 20- to 60-min period of complete coronary occlusion, but we did not pace the heart during reperfusion.

RESULTS

In the untreated group, the idioventricular rate did not change significantly during coronary artery occlusions of 20 or 40 min, but it did increase significantly during the last 20 min of a 60-min occlusion. Prazosin and propranolol each attenuated but did not abolish this rate increase. The idioventricular rate increased markedly but transiently soon after reperfusion in all untreated animals. This tachycardia was virtually abolished by either prazosin or propranolol.

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in idioventricular rate that develops during the last 20 min of a 60-min coronary occlusion is modulated but probably not mediated by adrenergic mechanisms. The pronounced ventricular tachycardia after reperfusion is virtually abolished by either alpha 1- or beta-adrenergic antagonists. Hence, this tachycardia requires the simultaneous activation of alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic mechanisms in dogs.

Duration of action and effect on baroreflex function of the anti-arrhythmic alpha 1 antagonist UK-52,046

The effects of acute and chronic oral administration of UK-52,046 (25 micrograms kg-1) on baroreflex function and its duration of action, were studied in conscious dogs. It was found that UK-52,046 had no effect on blood pressure and heart rate following acute and chronic administration. UK-52,046 shifted the phenylephrine dose response curve to the right, and the PE50 (measure of alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonism) was increased (P less than 0.05) compared to placebo on day 1 (2, 4, 8 and 24 h) and day 8 (2, 4, 8 and 12 h). The antagonism was increased (P less than 0.05) on day 8 (0, 8 and 12 h) compared with day 1. Evaluation of the effects of UK-52,046 on baroreflex function using phenylephrine to increase blood pressure indicated no significant difference from placebo. It was concluded that at an antiarrhythmic dose, UK-52,046 has no effect on blood pressure, heart rate or baroreflex function. The pressor response curve was shifted to the right indicating a duration of action of at least 12 h on chronic oral administration.

Interaction between noradrenaline and diltiazem in rat isolated atria

1. The present study describes the effects of diltiazem (DIL) on noradrenaline (NA) activity in the isolated right atria of the rat. 2. Interactions between DIL and NA showed that DIL significantly shifted the concentration-response curve of NA to the right in a concentration-dependent manner. 3. The antagonist between DIL and NA is not consistent with a competitive antagonist since the slope is significantly lower than the unity. 4. A high calcium solution (4.5 mM) significantly increased the chronotropic effects of noradrenaline. 5. These results suggest that influx of calcium through calcium antagonist sensitive channels may be involved in linking of chronotropic responses to activation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors.

Effect of alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation with methoxamine and phenylephrine on spontaneously beating rabbit sino-atrial node cells

Effects of methoxamine and phenylephrine on the action potential and the membrane currents in spontaneously beating rabbit sino-atrial node cells were examined by means of a two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique. Both methoxamine and phenylephrine (10(-4) mol/l) prolonged the cycle length (CL) and the action potential duration (APD), significantly. At concentrations higher than 3 x 10(-4) mol/l, phenylephrine increased the maximum rate of rise of action potential (Vmax) but methoxamine reduced it. Both agents depolarized the maximum diastolic potential (MDP). These changes in the action potential parameters occurred in a concentration-dependent manner. In the presence of phentolamine (10(-5) mol/l), methoxamine (3 x 10(-4) mol/l) did not modify the action potential parameters. Also, phenylephrine did not affect them during exposure to phentolamine (10(-5) mol/l) and pindolol (10(-7) mol/l). In voltage-clamp experiments, at 10(-3) mol/l both methoxamine and phenylephrine slightly increased the slow inward current (Isi), but decreased the time-dependent outward current (Ik). The steady-state activation variable of Ik (p infinity) was unaffected by these agents. The hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) was suppressed in the presence of methoxamine, but enhanced in the presence of phenylephrine. An additional application of pindolol (10(-7) mol/l) during exposure to phenylephrine (10(-3) mol/l) depressed the action potential amplitude (APA) and Vmax, and prolonged CL slightly. Under the same condition, all the membrane currents (Isi, Ik and Ih) were decreased. In addition, the time courses of decay for Isi were not modified in the absence and the presence of phenylephrine (10(-3) mol/l) and phenylephrine plus pindolol (10(-7) mol/l).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation on electrophysiological properties and mechanics in rat papillary muscle

1. Electrophysiological and inotropic responses to stimulation of alpha-adrenoceptors were examined in isolated rat papillary muscles. 2. Stimulation of alpha-adrenoceptors caused two major electrophysiological changes, i.e. prolongation of action potential duration (APD) and hyperpolarization of resting membrane potential. 3. The time course of the inotropic responses to alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation was composed of an initial, short-lasting and small positive phase followed by a negative phase and then a second increasing phase. 4. Nifedipine abolished the alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated positive inotropic effect whereas unaffecting the negative inotropic effect, the APD prolongation and the hyperpolarization. 5. In quiescent muscles alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation also produced hyperpolarization, which was blocked by Ba2+.

[Alpha-adrenoceptors in the myocardium: incidence and functional significance]

Alpha-adrenoceptors mediating positive inotropic effects are well established in the heart of various species including human heart. The mechanism by which alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation increases force of contraction is not known. cAMP is unlikely to be involved as a mediator. Evidence has been presented that an increase in magnitude and duration of the slow Ca++ inward current may be partly responsible for the positive inotropic effect. In addition, stimulation of alpha-adrenoceptors may increase Ca++ sensitivity of the contractile proteins. Stimulation of alpha-adrenoceptors by endogenous catecholamines may serve as a reserve mechanism under various conditions of impaired beta-adrenergic influence, e.g. hypothyroidism, bradycardia or ischemia. Furthermore, alpha-adrenoceptors may be involved in the genesis of reperfusion arrhythmias in ischemic heart.

Effects of alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation with phenylephrine in the presence of propranolol on force of contraction, slow inward current and cyclic AMP content in the bovine heart

The mechanism of the cyclic AMP-independent positive inotropic effect of cardiac alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation was studied by analyzing the effects of phenylephrine on force of contraction, calcium-dependent slow action potentials and the slow inward current (Isi) in bovine ventricular trabeculae. The preparations were electrically driven at 0.3 Hz in the presence of propranolol 1 mumol 1(-1). Phenylephrine increased the force of contraction in a concentration-dependent manner (maximum about 200% of control at 30 mumol 1(-1). The effect was surmountably antagonized by phentolamine. The positive inotropic effect of phenylephrine was accompanied by a concentration-dependent increase in time to peak force and occurred without any detectable increase in cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) levels. The positive inotropic effect of phenylephrine was accompanied by an increase in action potential duration both at 20% and 90% repolarization. Calcium-dependent slow action potentials were also prolonged by phenylephrine and there was a distinct increase in the maximal rate of depolarization (dV/dtmax) of these slow potentials. These effects were also completely reversible on washing and surmountably blocked by phentolamine. However, the increase in dV/dtmax was smaller than that of isoprenaline in concentrations producing similar inotropic effects. Voltage-clamp experiments with the single sucrose-gap method showed that the phenylephrine-induced increase in force of contraction was associated not only with an increase in peak slow calcium inward current, Isi max, but also with a delay in the inactivation of Isi. Outward currents were not detectably altered by phenylephrine. It is concluded that the alpha-adrenoceptor mediated, cyclic AMP-independent positive inotropic effects of phenylephrine in bovine cardiac muscle are associated with an increase in slow inward current. Additionally, the amount of calcium influx during excitation is probably increased by a delay in the inactivation of Isi. Both effects can explain the phenylephrine-produced prolongation of the action potential, and probably contribute to the positive inotropic effect of alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation. However, as the effect on dV/dtmax is smaller than that of isoprenaline, other (still unknown) mechanisms may also be involved.

Effects of acetylcholine, isoprenaline, phenylephrine and dibutyryl-cAMP on the contractility of isolated myocytes of the rat heart ventricles

Single ventricular myocytes were isolated by enzymatic dissociation from the rat heart. The myocytes showed two types of spontaneous contractions: action potential dependent 'electric' contractions which occurred as short bursts, and slowly propagating contraction waves, i.e. phasic contractions. Electric contractions were normally found only in some of the myocytes, but in about 85% of the cells these could be induced by isoprenaline (ISO), phenylephrine (PHE), dibutyryl-cAMP (DB-cAMP) or acetylcholine (ACh). The inducing potency of the drugs was ACh greater than PHE greater than ISO greater than DB-cAMP. When electric contractions were blocked with verapamil, the frequency of phasic contractions was increased by ISO and DB-cAMP, whereas PHE and ACh had not this effect. In 45 min, ISO increased the frequency tenfold. High concentrations (10(-4) and 10(-5) M) of ISO lead to steady contracture of the myocytes in about 40% of the cells. The effect of DB-cAMP was weaker being only about 20% of that of ISO and it never caused steady contractures. The results suggest that alpha receptor activation by PHE does not affect the intracellular calcium movements but that ISO through beta receptor activation and DB-cAMP directly may increase the rate of calcium accumulation by sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR).

Reserpine-induced supersensitivity and the proliferation of cardiac beta-adrenoceptors

Chronic reserpine pretreatment resulted in an increase in the basal developed force generated by papillary muscles isolated from the right ventricle of the rabbit. In addition, supersensitivity to the inotropic effects of isoproterenol and a concomitant increase in beta-adrenoceptor number were demonstrated. These results indicate that reserpine-induced supersensitivity is not only associated with alterations at sites beyond the level of receptor activation but also at the level of specific postjuctional membrane receptors.

Cyclic AMP-dependent and independent positive inotropic effects of phenylephrine

To summarize, a large number of studies indicate that the effects of phenylephrine on cardiac contractility are mediated through alpha-adrenoceptors, although not exclusively. There are an equally large number of reports indicating some beta-adrenoceptor stimulant effects of phenylephrine. Of the latter, some are based on the finding of antagonism by beta-receptor antagonists and some on the fact that phenylephrine is capable of elevating cyclic AMP levels, which is primarily a beta-, and not alpha-adrenoceptor effect. Although it is now widely accepted that phenylephrine elevates cyclic AMP levels, the contribution and significance of the elevated nucleotide levels to the overall positive inotropy of phenylephrine appears to be small. Alpha-Adrenoceptors may be involved with calcium, although the precise interaction between calcium and the alpha-adrenoceptor is not clear. Finally, the adrenergic effects seem to depend on the experimental and physiological conditions including calcium ion concentration, thyroid state and driving frequency.

Cyclic AMP-dependent and -independent effects of beta-adrenergic stimulation on the contraction-relaxation cycle of spontaneously beating rat atria

The effects of isoproterenol (ISO, 1 X 10(-7) M) and phenylephrine (beta-PHEN, 5 X 10(-5) M, in the presence of 5 X 10(-6) M phentolamine) as well as the effect of hypercalcemia (5.7 X 10(-3) M instead of 1.9 X 10(-3) M) on the kinetics of changes in developed tension (DT) and its second derivative (T") and on cAMP level and 45Ca uptake were studied in spontaneously beating rat atria. Both the effects of ISO and the beta-adrenergic effect of PHEN on amplitude were equipotent 15 and 60 sec after administration. However, the ISO response developed faster, and the amplitude at 30 sec was significantly higher in the ISO than in the PHEN response. The effects of ISO on the ratio of the amplitudes of the first maximum and the minimum of T" (T"max/T"min) as well as on the duration of the contraction-relaxation cycle (CRC) were biphasic. At 15 sec, it first produced increases, and subsequently, 60 sec after the drug, these parameters decreased below the control. beta-Phenylephrine produced a similar biphasic response in the ratio T"max/T"min, but the duration of CRC appeared only to decrease 60 sec after the drug. The durations of the contraction phases of T" were reduced both by ISO (30 and 60 sec) and beta-PHEN (60 sec) after administration. All of the effects of beta-PHEN on T" were weaker than those induced by ISO. Furthermore, the ability of PHEN to stimulate the formation of cAMP was also poorer. The inhibition of phosphodiesterase by methylisobutylxanthine enhanced, dose dependently, the increase in the relaxing components of CRC. However, the amplitude response of ISO was antagonized by this drug. The time course effects of ISO on the amplitude and cAMP were parallel. beta-Phenylephrine stimulated first contractility and much later an increase in cAMP. Uptake of 45Ca was stimulated equally by ISO and beta-PHEN. Hypercalcemia produced increases in amplitude, in the ratio T"max/T"min, and in the duration of CRC but no change in the level of cAMP. The data suggest that the beta-adrenergic response is at the outset qualitatively similar to the response of hypercalcemia and that the typical changes in CRC for beta stimulation take place only secondly. Thus, even though cAMP is involved in beta-adrenergic stimulation, it may not be the main cause of positive inotropism. The qualitative changes in CRC, i.e., the increase in the relaxing components and the decrease in time to peak tension, could be responsible for the faster increase in amplitude to the steady-state level.

Differences between alpha-adrenergic and beta-adrenergic inotropic effects in rat heart papillary muscles

alpha-And beta-adrenergic inotropic effects have been shown to be qualitatively different. In order to further characterize these difference we compared the mechanical response to alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor stimulation, respectively, in electrically driven left ventricular papillary muscles from rat heart. The muscles were stimulated by either isoprenaline (Beta-adrenoceptor stimulation), phenylephrine in the presence of propranolol (alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation) or phenylephrine alone (combined alpha-and Beta-adrenoceptor stimulation). Isometric tension (T), rate of rise and decline of tension (first derivate=T') and rate of transition from tension rise to tension decline (negative part of second derivative=T') were recorded. These recordings disclosed qualitative differences between the alpha-and Beta-inotropic response both in dose-response and time course experiments. Maximal Beta-adrenoceptor stimulation caused a small increase in Tmax (18%), intermediate increases in T'max (45%) and T'min (68%) and considerable increase in T'min (145%) ("Beta-type" effect). Maximal alpha adrenoceptor stimulation increased all qualities by about the same degree (23-24% ("a-type" effect). While Beta-adrenoceptor stimulation gave a dose-dependent and pronounced increase in the ratio T"min/T'max (relaxation-onset index), alpha adrenoceptor stimulation decreased it to subcontrol values and phenylephrine alone gave a small dose-dependent increase at higher dose. The time course of the alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation was characterized by a transient decrease in all qualities followed by an increase which reached maximum at 4-5 min. Beta-Adrenoceptor stimulation gave a monophasic response which reached maximum after 1-2 min. Phenylephrine alone gave mainly an "a-type" effect although T"min increased significantly more in the absence than in the presence of propranolol and T"min/T'max showed a small increase which developed slowly. Thus Beta-adrenoceptor stimulation activated relaxation compared to contraction by a higher degree than did alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation. This probably reflects different mechanisms of action. While the alpha-effect may rely primarily on an increased calcium influx, the Beta-effect probably is the final result of several subcellular effects of cyclic AMP.

Two physiological agents that appear to facilitate calcium discharge from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in frog heart cells: adrenalin an ATP

The alpha-adrenergic effect of adrenalin and the action of ATP and other nucleotides have been examined in single trabeculae of frog heart by means of procedures developed in the preceding paper (Niedergerke & Page 1981). The results suggest that both adrenalin and ATP are able, in conjunction with the action potential, to facilitate the discharge of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in at least some of the cardiac cells. As a result, the strength of the twitch is enhanced. As shown previously for the action of caffeine, this calcium discharge was not maintained, declining rapidly, together with the twitch tension, as the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium store became depleted. Trabeculae from atrium and ventricle differed in their propensity to respond to these two substances. Thus, alpha-adrenergic responses were obtained in some 30% of the atrial, but in none of the ventricular, trabeculae examined. On the other hand, both kinds of trabecula gave ATP responses, but these tended to be weaker and required higher concentrations in ventricle than atrium. The possibility that the two responses are of physiological importance is suggested by the low concentrations (less than or equal to 5 x 10(-7)M) needed to produce large tension increases. A tentative hypothesis is advanced according to which alpha-catecholamine and ATP effects participate in circulatory control by initiating a rapid boost of cardiac pump activity, preparatory to the slower but better maintained beta-catecholamine action.

Mechanical response of rat myocardium to dibutyryl cyclic AMP in relation to effects of alpha-and beta-adrenoceptor stimulators

Dibutyryl cyclic AMP, and alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor stimulators are all able to elicit inotropic effects. alpha- and beta-Adrenoceptor stimulation are known to change each myocardial contraction-relaxation cycle differently. In order to elucidate the myocardial function of cyclic AMP the effects of dibutyryl cyclic AMP on the contraction-relaxation cycle of isolated rat heart papillary muscle were examined and compared to the effects of alpha-and beta-adrenoceptor stimulation, respectively. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (in the presence of propranolol) increased developed tension (Tmax) by 18%, rate of tension rise (T'max) by 46%, rate of tension fall (T'min) by 62% and onset-rate of relaxation (T"min) by 136%. These changes in the contraction-relaxation cycle were strikingly similar to those produced by isoprenaline (beta-adrenoceptor stimulation). The response to dibutyryl cyclic AMP, however, developed much more slowly than did the response to isoprenaline. The latter effect was associated with cyclic AMP elevation in a way indicating a trigger function for cyclic AMP. The alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation (by phenylephrine combined with propranolol), however, increased measures both for contraction and for relaxation by about the same degree, and the effects occurred without changes of cyclic AMP contents. Phenylephrine alone (combined alpha-and beta-adrenoceptor stimulation) elicited a substantial cyclic AMP elevation but gave mechanical effects only slightly different from the pure alpha-adrenergic response. Thus cyclic AMP effects did not seem to be fully expressed in this case. As a whole, the results indicate that the effects of both dibutyryl cyclic AMP and of isoprenaline are mediated by the cyclic AMP-system while alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation involves other mechanisms.

Demonstration of alpha-adrenoceptors in the rabbit heart by [3H]-dihydroergocryptine binding

For direct identification of alpha-adrenoceptors in a membrane fraction of the rabbit heart the potent alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist [3H]-dihydroergocryptine ([3H]-DHE) was used. 1. The binding of [3H]-DHE was saturable with 80 fmol of [3H]-DHE bound/mg protein and of high affinity with an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 11.5 nM. Binding of [3H]-DHE (6 nM) was rapid (t 1/2 = 2 min) and readily reversible. From the ratio of the rate constants for forward (K1 = 1.97 X 10(7) M-1 min-1) and reverse (K2 = 0.206 min-1) reactions a KD-value of 10 nM was calculated, which is in good agreement with that obtained by equilibrium studies. 2. Adrenergic agonists compete for [3H]-DHE binding in an order to potency: (-)adrenaline greater than (-)phenyleprine greater than (-)isoprenaline and adrenergic antagonists in the order: phentolamine greater than yohimbine greater than (-)propranolol. Binding is stereospecific as indicated by the greater potency of (-)adrenaline than (+/-)adrenaline in displacing [3H]-DHE from the binding sites. 3. For comparison the binding of the potent beta-adrenoceptor antagonist (-)[3H]-dihydroalprenolol ((-)[3H]-DHA) was measured in the same membrane fraction. The number and affinity of beta-adrenoceptors amounted to 115 fmol of (-)[3H]-DHA bound/mg protein at saturation and KD = 7.9 nM. Adrenergic agonists compete for (-)[3H]-DHA binding in an order of potency: (-)isoprenaline greater than (-)adrenaline greater than (-)phenylephrine; and adrenergic antagonists in the order: (-)prapranolol greater than phentolamine. 4. It is concluded that in a membrane fraction of the rabbit heart there exist binding sites for [3H]-DHE which have characteristics indistinguishable from alpha-adrenoceptors. Thus the present results are in agreement with previously reported data on the existence of cardiac alpha-adrenoceptors in the rabbit heart (Schümann et al., 1974; Endoh et al., 1976b).

Influence of temperature on the sensitivity of the adrenoceptors in the isolated atria of guinea pigs and rats

The influence of the bath temperature on the responsiveness to sympathomimetic amines was studied with isolated guinea pig and rat atria. In electrically driven guinea pig left atria, the dose-response curve for the positive inotropic effect of isoproterenol (ISO) was shifted to the left by lowering the temperature from 36 to 24 degrees C. The positive inotropic effect of phenylephrine (PHE) in lower concentrations was attenuated by lowering the temperature. Phentolamine markedly inhibited the PHE response at 36 and 32 degrees C, whereas it produced no inhibition at 24 degrees C. Similar changes were observed with rat left atria. In guinea pig left atria, propranolol inhibited the response to PHE more effectively at 24 degrees C than 32 degrees C. With guinea pig and rat atria the dose--response curve for the positive inotropic effect of PHE in the presence of phentolamine was shifted to the left by lowering the temperature. The results suggest that lowering the temperature of the bath solution diminished the positive inotropic effect of PHE mediated by alpha-adrenoceptors and potentiated that mediated by beta-adrenoceptors.

Influence of thyroid hormone on the positive inotropic effects mediated by alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors in isolated guinea pig atria and rabbit papillary muscles

Effects of thyroxine treatment for 7--11 days on the positive inotropic effects mediated by alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors were studied in isolated guinea pig atria and rabbit papillary muscles. In guinea pig atria, the thyroxine treatment inhibited the positive inotropic effect of lower concentrations of phenylephrine (PHE), and attenuated the inhibitory effect of phentolamine on the PHE response. The effect of isoproterenol (ISO) was potentiated by the thyroxine treatment. In rabbit papillary muscles, the thyroxine treatment shifted the dose--response curve for PHE to the right and attenuated the inhibitory effect of phentolamine on the PHE response. Propranolol, in both guinea pig atria and rabbit papillary muscles, inhibited the PHE response more effectively in preparations from thyroxine-treated animals than in controls. In guinea peg atria, the attenuation of the PHE response mediated by alpha-adrenoceptors was observed after the thyroxine treatment for only 2 days, whereas the potentiation of the ISO response required the thyroxine treatment for a longer period. It was concluded that the thyroxine treatment attenuated the positive inotropic effect mediated by alpha-adrenoceptors and potentiated that mediated by beta-adrenoceptor-mediated positive inotropic effects due to the thyroxine treatment may be independent of each other.

The positive inotropic effect of phenylephrine in the presence of propranolol. Increase in time to peak force and in relaxation time without increase in c-AMP

The effects of phenylephrine on the shape of the contraction curve and on the cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (c-AMP) content were studied in electrically driven (frequency 0.2 Hz) cat papillary muscles. All experiments were done in the presence of 1 micron propranolol in order to minimize interference from beta-adrenoceptors. 1. Phenylephrine increased the force of contraction in a concentration-dependent manner. Maximal effects (about 200% of control) occurred at 30 micron phenylephrine. 2. The positive inotropic effect (PIE) of phenylephrine was antagonized by phentolamine. Phentolamine, 5 micron, produced a parallel shift of the concentration-response curve for the PIE of phenylephrine by about two log units to the right. 3. The PIE of 30 micron phenylephrine occurred without any detectable increase in the c-AMP levels of the preparations. 4. The PIE of 30 micron phenylephrine developed about three times more slowly than the PIE of an equieffective concentration of isoprenaline. 5. The PIE of phenylephrine was accompanied by significant, concentration-dependent increases in both time to peak force and relaxation time. 6. It is concluded that the PIE of phenylephrine in the presence of propranolol is mediated mainly by a stimulation of alpha-adrenoceptors. It is unlikely to be related to an increase in c-AMP. With respect to time course and influence on the shape of the contraction curve it is qualitatively different from the effects of beta-adrenoceptor stimulation. These data are taken to support the hypothesis that the mechanical effects of alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor stimulating agents on the heart are produced by different mechanisms.

Qualitative differences between beta-adrenergic and alpha-adrenergic inotropic effects in rat heart muscle

If beta- and alpha-adrenergic inotropic effects are cyclic AMP dependent and cyclic AMP independent, respectively, they may be qualitatively different. The inotropic effects of beta-receptor stimulation (isoprenaline) and alpha-receptor stimulation (phenylephrine combined with propranolol) were characterized in isolated perfused rat hearts, rat atria and rat papillary muscles. The beta-effect reached its maximum before the alpha-effect. The alpha-effect followed a three-phasic time-course indicating both stimulatory and inhibitory components. The aortic pressure wave (perfused heart) indicated a shorter contraction phase after beta-stimulation than after alpha-stimulation. The time to peak tension (atrium, papillary muscle) was relatively shorter after isoprenaline than after alpha-stimulation, which tended to prolong it. The contraction-relaxation cycles (atrium, papillary muscle) were examined by recording the isometric tension (T), its first (T') and second (T'') deri derivatives. alpha and beta-stimulation both increased Tmax, T'max (maximal rate of tension rise), T'min (maximal rate of tension decline) and T''min (maximal rate of transition from rise to decline of tension). Isoprenaline increased T'min (papillary muscle) and T''min (atrium, papillary muscle) relatively more than did alpha-stimulation, i.e. the relaxing processes were activated relatively more by beta-stimulation. The results indicate different mechanisms for the two adrenergic inotropic effects. The relatively larger activation of relaxation by beta-stimulation is assumed to be caused by clic AMP.