Hemodynamic and Electrophysiological Effects of a Novel Positive Inotropic Drug, OPC-8212, in Normal and “Failing” Guinea Pig Heart Preparations

Abstract

OPC-8212, 3,4-dihydro-6-[4-(3,4-dimethoxy-benzoyl)-1-piperazinyl]-2 (1H)-quinolinone, significantly decreased heart rate and increased contractility (+ dP/dt) and coronary flow in isolated, perfused guinea pig Langendorff and work-performing heart preparations. The effect on contractility, but not on coronary flow, was significantly greater when the negative chronotropic effect was prevented by pacing. In guinea pig hearts made incompetent by aortic stenosis, OPC-8212 produced a significant increase in contractility and coronary flow and greater negative chronotropic effects than in control hearts. OPC-8212 improved the work performance of normal and "failing" isolated work-performing guinea pig hearts during pressure load and during volume load. In electrophysiological studies, OPC-8212 enhance Vmax, amplitude, and duration of fast action potentials (APs) in guinea pig papillary muscles. Tetraethylammonium (TEA)-induced slow APs were also potentiated with respect to Vmax, amplitude, and duration. OPC-8212 in the absence of TEA also lowered the voltage threshold for inducing the slow APs. Positive inotropic effects, but not the slow APs, of guinea pig papillary muscles were greatly enhanced by OPC-8212 at higher frequencies of stimulation (2-3 Hz), indicating an important mechanism of action that may be at least in part independent of Isi.