Effects of ouabain and norepinephrine on the mechanical performance of the normal and failing heart of the myopathic hamster
Alousi, A.A.; Santa Barbara, L.
Recent Advances in Studies on Cardiac Structure and Metabolism 9: 421-436
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0363-5872 PMID: 1257582 Document Number: 103415
The effects of ouabain and norepinephrine on the mechanical efficiency of the normal and failing heart of the myopathic Syrian hamster were studied in a modified Langendorff preparation. Ouabain administration to the normal and failing heart caused a significant increase in heart work and energy utilization per beat with no significant change in the mechanical efficinecy of either heart. Norepinephrine caused a significant increase in heart work, energy utilization, and mechanical efficiency of the normal and failing heart. It was concluded that the isolated perfused hamster heart from normal and myopathic hamsters could provide a new model for the demonstration of the effect of cardiotonic agents on the mechanical performance of the heart.