The effect of inhaled colforsin daropate on contractility of fatigued diaphragm in dogs

We studied the effect of inhaled colforsin daropate, a water-soluble forskolin derivative, on the contractility of fatigued diaphragm in dogs. Animals were divided into 3 groups of 8. In each group, diaphragmatic fatigue was induced by intermittent supramaximal bilateral electrophrenic stimulation at a frequency of 20-Hz stimulation applied for 30 min. Immediately after the end of the fatigue-producing period, Group 1 received inhaled vehicle, Group 2 received inhaled colforsin daropate 0.1 mg/mL, and Group 3 received inhaled colforsin daropate 0.2 mg/mL. We assessed diaphragmatic contractility by transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi). After fatigue was produced, in each group, Pdi at low-frequency (20-Hz) stimulation decreased from baseline values (P < 0.05), and there was no change in Pdi at high-frequency (100-Hz) stimulation. In Groups 2 and 3, during colforsin daropate inhalation, Pdi at both stimuli increased from fatigued values (P < 0.05). The increase in Pdi was significantly larger in Group 3 than in Group 2. The integrated electrical activity of the diaphragm did not change in any group. We conclude that inhaled colforsin daropate causes an increase in contractility of fatigued canine diaphragm in a dose-related fashion. IMPLICATIONS: Diaphragmatic fatigue may contribute to the development of respiratory failure. Inhaled colforsin daropate improves, in a dose-dependent manner, the contractility of fatigued diaphragm in dogs.