Introduction: Mechanisms of positive inotropic effects

Abstract

This review deals with the principal mechanisms which are known to play a role in positive inotropism: 1) The myoplasmic Ca2+ concentration may be increased by increases in cyclic AMP. Beside receptor-mediated stimulation (isoprenaline) or direct stimulation (forskolin) of the adenylate cyclase, the cyclic AMP may be increased by phosphodiesterase inhibition; 2) Cyclic AMP-independent activation of Ca2+ channels can be brought about by alpha-adrenergic agents (phenylephrine) or so-called calcium agonists; 3) Only a small increase in myoplasmic Na+ concentration can greatly enhance the force of contraction by an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. This is possible by inhibition of the Na+/K+-ATPase (glycosides) or by prolongation of the open state of Na+ channels (DPI 201-106); 4) A direct inhibition of the Na+/Ca2+ exchange has been discussed for amiloride; 5) A prolongation of the action potential induced by K+ channel-inhibiting agents such as 4-amino-pyridine may increase the myoplasmic Ca2+ concentration by a prolongation of the slow Ca2+ inward current; 6) An increased Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile proteins has been demonstrated for a number of compounds in vitro; the contribution of such an effect to the overall positive inotropism is unknown because a calcium sensitizer without any effects on calcium or sodium movements is not yet available.