Abstract
1. The effects of alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation on the action potential and force of contraction were investigated in human isolated ventricular heart muscle and compared with those of beta-adrenoceptor stimulation. 2. The maximal stimulation by isoprenaline of beta-adrenoceptors produced large changes in the force of contraction, which were accompanied by moderate increases in the height of the action potential. The maximal inotropic effect produced by stimulation of alpha-adrenoceptors with phenylephrine, in the presence of propranolol (1 mumol 1(-1)) was much smaller (about 10% of that seen in response to beta-adrenoceptor stimulation), and no significant changes of the action potential configuration were observed. 3. The effects of noradrenaline and adrenaline on the force of contraction were not affected by prazosin. 4. It is concluded that the adrenoceptor-mediated changes of the force of contraction (in the presence of either noradrenaline or adrenaline) in the human ventricle are due virtually exclusively to the stimulation of beta-adrenoceptors.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
