Abstract
Isotonic and isometric variables of contractility and relaxation of isolated ferret right ventricular papillary muscles were measured before and during exposure to incremental concentrations of sevoflurane (0-4.9% vol/vol) (30 degrees C) (n = 9). In a second group of muscles (n = 8), effects of sevoflurane were compared with those of low [Ca(2+)](o) (0.45-2.25 mM in steps of 0.45 mM). Sevoflurane caused a reversible concentration-dependent decrease in contractility (ED(50) of developed force 4.6+/-0.9% vol/vol). When compared with twitches of equal amplitude in low extracellular Ca(2+) concentration, sevoflurane accelerated both isometric and isotonic relaxation. The myocardial depressant effect of sevoflurane is less than that of isoflurane and results mainly from a decrease of intracellular Ca(2+) availability. The abbreviated isometric relaxation likely reflects a decrease in Ca(2+) sensitivity and the faster isotonic relaxation may reflect a mild stimulation of Ca(2+) uptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
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