Haemodynamic profile of an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase III, adibendan (BM 14.478): comparison with nitroprusside and dobutamine in conscious dogs.

1. This study was performed to investigate whether cardiac positive inotropic as well as peripheral vasodilator properties of adibendan contribute to its overall haemodynamic profile in conscious dogs. 2. Haemodynamic measurements were carried out in conscious chronically instrumented dogs after administration of adibendan, sodium nitroprusside or dobutamine. 3. The cardiovascular changes induced by adibendan (0.01 and 0.03 mg kg-1) resembled those of dobutamine (1.0-4.0 micrograms kg-1 min-1): left ventricular dP/dt60 (LV dP/dt60), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) increased to a similar extent, but mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) remained unchanged. 4. In contrast to dobutamine, higher doses of adibendan (0.1-1.0 mg kg-1) decreased MAP and LVEDP. These effects were of a similar magnitude to those observed following nitroprusside administration (0.5-12.5 micrograms kg-1 min-1). In contrast to nitroprusside, adibendan still showed additional effects on LV dP/dt60 and CO. 5. From these results, it is concluded that both the peripheral vasodilator and the cardiac positive inotropic action of adibendan contribute to its overall haemodynamic profile.     

Effects of inotropic and chronotropic stimuli on acute myocardial ischemic injury. II. Studies with dopamine and ouabain in the barbiturate-anesthetized dog

To test the hypothesis that selective increases in inotropic state without concomitant acceleration of heart rate would not augment acute ischemic injury in the non-failing heart of the anesthetized dog, we carried out studies in 16 dogs subjected to serial 10-min occlusions of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The severity of ischemic injury was determined by mass spectrometric measurement of the rise in intramural carbon dioxide tension (delta PmCO2) in the ischemic zone, and inotropic stimulation was provided by either dopamine or ouabain. In Group I dogs (n = 9), dopamine [4 +/- 1 (SD) micrograms/kg/min] was infused before the final occlusion to increase left ventricular (LV) dP/dt without changing heart rate; delta PmCO2 was not significantly different between control (64 +/- 21 mm Hg) and postdopamine (67 +/- 22 mm Hg) occlusions. In Group II dogs (n = 7), ouabain (0.03 mg/kg) was administered 15 min before the final occlusion, resulting in a significant increase in LV dP/dt and a slight decrease in heart rate (average 13 beats/min); delta PmCO2 was slightly decreased in the occlusion after ouabain (60 +/- 12 mm Hg) compared with the preceding occlusion without inotropic stimulation (67 +/- 13 mm Hg), p less than 0.05. Throughout the studies in both groups, there were no significant changes in collateral blood flow to the central ischemic zone, or in heart rate-systolic arterial pressure product, an estimate of myocardial oxygen consumption. Analyses of individual responses revealed that when LV dP/dt increased by 50% or more after dopamine or ouabain, ischemia was more likely to intensify.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cardiovascular pharmacology of the cardiotonic,imazodan (Cl-914)

Imazodan is a novel pyridazinone derivative. It was evaluated in excised cardiac tissue, anesthetized dogs and monkeys, and conscious dogs. Imazodan, 10^?5–10^?3M, produced dose-dependent increases in guinea pig atrial and rabbit papillary muscle contractility. In ansthetized dogs and rhesus monkeys, imazodan, 0.001–1.0 mg/kg IV, produced dosedependent increases of 10–150% in myocardial contractility (dP/dt max of left ventricular pressure), and decreases of 1–31% in aortic blood pressure. Heart rate increases were minimal (0–34%) in comparison to the changes in contractility and they occurred only at the higher doses. The positive inotropic action of imazodan was not blocked by β-adrenoceptor blockade with propranolol. Forelimb perfusion studies in the anesthetized dog demonstrated that imazodan produces a dose-dependent direct peripheral vasodilator action. This agent was also demonstrated to be a highly effective cardiotonic when administered orally (0.1–1.0 mg/kg) to conscious dogs. The results of these studies indicate that imazodan is an orally effective cariotonic that possesses balanced positive inotrophic and peripheral vasodilator activities and possesses a wide margin of cardiac safety.     

Hemodynamic and myocardial energetic effects of CK-3197, a selective positive inotropic agent.

CK-3197 was developed as a selective positive inotropic agent for the treatment of congestive heart failure. We compared the hemodynamic and myocardial energetic effects of CK-3197 to ouabain in the pentobarbital-anesthetized dog. Fifteen minutes after intravenous (i.v.) administration of CK-3197 (0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg) to five dogs, mean left ventricular (LV) dP/dt increased by 24, 68, and 109% and mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased by 4, 9, and 18%, respectively, from basal values. CK-3197 was 11 times more potent as a positive inotropic agent than as a vasodilator. Heart rate (HR) increased by 5, 14, and 24% after these doses of CK-3197, whereas LV end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) decreased by 4 mm Hg after the highest dose of compound. LV oxygen consumption (MVO2) and stroke MVO2 increased by 9, 25, and 102% and 1, 8, and 58%, respectively, at the peak of the increases in LV dP/dt. Ouabain (0.02 and 0.03 mg/kg, i.v.) increased MAP (12 and 22%), HR (2 and 20%), and LV dP/dt (19 and 36%), with a 14 and 16% increase in LV MVO2 and a 12 and -6% change in stroke MVO2. Thus, CK-3197 is a selective, positive inotropic agent with preload reducing activity in the dog. CK-3197, similar to ouabain, produced energy-efficient positive inotropic responses with either no increase in MVO2 or increases in myocardial oxygen consumption that were less than the expected 1:1 ratio with LV dP/dt. Therefore, CK-3197 may have significant utility in the clinical treatment of congestive heart failure.     

Cardiovascular pharmacology of 6-[4-(4'-pyridyl)aminophenyl]-4,5-dihydro-3(2H)-pyridazinone hydrochloride, a novel and potent cardiotonic agent with vasodilator properties

The cardiovascular profile of 6-[4-(4'-pyridyl)aminophenyl]-4,5-dihydro-3(2H)-pyridazinone hydrochloride (MCI-154), a novel cardiotonic agent structurally different from cardiac glycosides and beta-adrenoceptor agonists, was investigated in vivo. In anesthetized, open-chest dogs, MCI-154 (0.3-100 micrograms/kg i.v., bolus injection) produced dose-dependent increases in dP/dtmax and cardiac output, and decreases in arterial blood pressure and total peripheral resistance with a relatively small increase in heart rate. The positive inotropic effect of MCI-154 was more potent than those of amrinone and milrinone. In anesthetized, intact-chest dogs, infusion of MCI-154 (0.3-3 micrograms/kg/min i.v.) also exerted a positive inotropic effect. P.o. administrations of MCI-154 (10-300 micrograms/kg) increased dP/dtmax in conscious beagle dogs. The cardiotonic effect of MCI-154 was not attenuated by blockade of autonomic receptors, catecholamine depletion and prostaglandin synthesis inhibition. MCI-154 (0.3-30 micrograms i.a.) produced a direct vasodilator effect in the canine hind-limb. MCI-154 (3 and 30 micrograms/kg i.v.) was effective in heart failure models induced with high doses of propranolol or verapamil. The potent cardiotonic and vasodilator activities of MCI-154 revealed by the present study suggest that this agent would be an effective remedy for the treatment of heart failure.     

Cardiovascular effects of the new cardiotonic agent 1,2-dihydro-6-methyl-2-oxo-5-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-6-yl)-3-pyridine carbonitrile hydrochloride monohydrate. 2nd communication: studies in dogs

The cardiovascular effects of 1,2-dihydro-6-methyl-2-oxo-5-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-6-yl)-3-pyridine carbonitrile hydrochloride monohydrate (E-1020), a new nonglycoside, noncatechol cardiotonic agent, were investigated in dogs. In anesthetized dogs, E-1020 (10-100 micrograms/kg i.v.) dose-relatedly increased cardiac contractility (LV dP/dtmax), enhanced cardiac index and decreased systemic vascular resistance accompanying relatively small reduction in mean aortic pressure and a mild increase in heart rate. Coronary and femoral arterial blood flow were increased by either systemic intravenous or topical administration of E-1020. The degree of increase in myocardial oxygen consumption was only slight (10% at 30 micrograms/kg i.v.). The inotropic effect of E-1020 was not markedly affected by pretreatment with beta-adrenoceptor blockade, reserpine or other cardiotonic agents such as dobutamine or ouabain. In two experimental heart failure models induced by an excessive dose of propranolol or by coronary occlusion following volume-loading, E-1020 (30 micrograms/kg i.v.) rapidly reversed the cardiac depression. In chronically instrumented conscious dogs, E-1020 (30-100 micrograms/kg i.v. or 0.3-10 mg/kg p.o.) produced dose-dependent increases in LV dP/dtmax with minor increases in heart rate. E-1020 did not exacerbate arrhythmias of several experimental models in anesthetized dogs even at high dose of 100 micrograms/kg i.v. These results indicate that E-1020 is an intravenously and orally effective cardiotonic agent with vasodilating property, and that it may be beneficial in the treatment of acute and chronic congestive heart failure.     

EFFECTS OF NEUROPEPTIDE Y ON LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN THE CONSCIOUS RABBIT

1. Changes in arterial pressure, heart rate and left ventricular contractility induced by intravenous injections of neuropeptide Y (NPY; 1-30 micrograms/kg) were studied in the conscious rabbit. 2. NPY has a brief pressor effect associated with a bradycardia, an increase in left ventricular end diastolic pressure, and a prolonged fall in peak left ventricular dP/dt (LVdP/dt). 3. The haemodynamic changes increase substantially with increasing doses up to 10 micrograms/kg. Beyond 10 micrograms/kg there are only slight effects on heart rate or peak LV dP/dt.     

Cardiovascular pharmacology of the vasodilator-cardiotonic agent, 349U85.

349U85 is a chemically novel, nonglycoside, noncatecholamine cardiotonic-vasodilator agent with a unique cardiovascular profile in vitro and in vivo. 349U85 and milrinone, 10(-6) to 3 x 10(-5) M each, produce concentration-dependent increases in tension development of 33-60% and 37-60%, respectively, with corresponding 5-18% and 17-55% increases in contractile rate, respectively, in guinea pig spontaneously beating isolated paired atria. In anesthetized dogs, 349U85 at 0.03-1.0 mg/kg i.v. produces dose-dependent increases in left ventricular contractility (dP/dt) of 12-159%, decreases in total peripheral resistance of 11-38%, and increases in heart rate of 3-26%. Milrinone, Cl-914, and enoximone produce comparable increases in dP/dt and decreases in peripheral resistance yet increase the heart rate a maximum of 71, 49, and 41%, respectively. Intra-arterial injection of 349U85 into the vascularly isolated hindlimb of anesthetized dogs produces dose-dependent direct vasodilation. The inotropic effect of 349U85, following a single intravenous dose, is sustained in excess of 4 h while comparable initial inotropic effects of milrinone and enoximone are sustained less than 1 and 2.5 h, respectively. 349U85 effectively reverses acute cardiac depression in anesthetized dogs with a duration exceeding that of milrinone. In conscious dogs, 349U85, at 0.1-1.0 mg/kg p.o., produces a dose-dependent positive inotropic effect (15-73%) with no significant effect on heart rate. Following a single oral dose of 349U85, the inotropic effect is sustained in excess of 6 h. Results of these studies indicate that 349U85 is a potent, long-lasting positive inotropic and vasodilator agent with minimal heart rate effect in vitro and in vivo and is different from a number of reference inodilators.     

Arterial and venous vasodilator actions of RS-1893, a novel cardiotonic agent, in the hindlimb preparation of the dog

RS-1893, an orally active cardiotonic agent, has been suggested to dilate venous blood vessels, because it markedly decreases central venous pressure in anesthetized dogs. In order to evaluate venous vasodilator action of the agent, we measured hindlimb volume (HLV) in anesthetized dogs using a plethysmographic technique. RS-1893 (1-10 micrograms/kg, i.v.) produced dose-dependent increases in HLV, femoral blood flow, and left ventricular (LV)dP/dt, and a decrease in central venous pressure (CVP). In another series of experiments, we autoperfused the hindlimb with a constant flow and injected the drugs intraarterially (i.a.) to separately evaluate arterial and venous vasodilator actions. In this preparation, a decrease in perfusion pressure and an increase in HLV were considered to reflect arterial vasodilatation and venous vasodilatation, respectively. RS-1893 (0.3-3 micrograms i.a.) produced a dose-dependent increase in HLV and a decrease in perfusion pressure. Comparison of doses which increased HLV by 0.3 ml revealed that RS-1893 was about 20 times more potent than milrinone. The arterial vasodilator action of RS-1893 was about 15 times more potent than that of milrinone. We conclude that RS-1893 is a potent venous and arterial vasodilator with cardiotonic activity.     

Cardiac and hemodynamic profile of the new cardiotonic agent, DPI 201-106, in the conscious dog

The cardiac and hemodynamic effects of increasing doses (0.1-3 mg/kg i.v.) of the novel cardiotonic agent, DPI 201-106 (DPI), were investigated over a 60 min period in conscious dogs chronically instrumented for the measurement of arterial pressure, heart rate, left ventricular pressure (LVP), LV (+) dP/dtmax and cardiac output. LV (+) dP/dtmax, cardiac output and stroke volume were significantly increased by DPI whereas the total peripheral resistance was significantly decreased. These effects were dose-dependent in intensity and in duration. The mean arterial pressure and heart rate remained unaffected, except by the 3 mg/kg dose, which increased them slightly. Autonomic blockade with hexamethonium, atropine and propranolol did not alter the positive inotropic properties of DPI but unmasked its intrinsic bradycardic effect. At equipotent positive inotropic doses, DPI (0.3 mg/kg), milrinone (40 micrograms/kg) and dobutamine (5 micrograms/kg per min) induced similar increases in cardiac output and similar decreases in total peripheral resistance, but only dobutamine and milrinone accelerated the heart rate, whereas ouabain (17.5 micrograms/kg) induced a strong rise in the total peripheral resistance and markedly lowered the heart rate and cardiac output. After coadministration of DPI and ouabain, LV (+) dP/dtmax was further increased whereas the ouabain-induced bradycardia, the rise in the total peripheral resistance and the decrease in cardiac output were reinforced, halved and unaltered, respectively. We conclude that (a) DPI exhibits potent and direct positive inotropic properties, associated with a peripheral vasodilating action, and almost no positive chronotropic effects, and (b) coadministration of DPI and ouabain results in synergistic positive inotropic effects.     

Cardiotonic effects of anthopleurin-A (AP-A), a polypeptide from a sea anemone, in dogs with a coronary artery stenosis

The positive inotropic effect of AP-A was studied in anesthetized dogs with a severe stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Peak positive dP/dt (mm Hg/s) and % segment shortening (%SS) were used as indices of contractile function. AP-A (1.5-5.0 micrograms/kg, i.v.) produced positive inotropic effects globally (dP/dt, 1700 +/- 100 to 2650 +/- 250 mm Hg/s) and locally in the ischemic zone (%SS, 6.7 +/- 1.7 to 13.7 +/- 1.5%) without changing heart rate, mean arterial pressure or myocardial blood flow. These data suggest that AP-A may be potentially useful in the management of heart failure.     

Cardiac and systemic hemodynamic actions of the slow channel calcium blocking agent, KB-944

The effects of KB-944 (10-400 micrograms/kg/min, i.v.), a new slow channel calcium blocking agent, on myocardial oxygen utilization, regional myocardial perfusion and hemodynamics were measured in anesthetized dogs. KB-944 produced significant dose-related increases in coronary blood flow and decreases in heart rate, left ventricular systolic pressure, aortic blood pressure and peripheral vascular resistance. At high doses, peak positive and negative dP/dt were both reduced and left ventricular end diastolic pressure increased. KB-944 reduced arterial-venous oxygen content difference across the heart while significantly increasing coronary blood flow. The pressure rate product, an index of myocardial oxygen consumption, was also reduced. KB-944 produced a uniform and dose-related increase in transmural tissue flow within the left ventricular free wall. These results indicate that KB-944, a new slow channel calcium blocking agent, is a potent peripheral and coronary vasodilator with negative inotropic and chronotropic properties and may be potentially useful in coronary artery disease or hypertension.     

Acute haemodynamic effects of ibopamine and dopamine on isovolumic relaxation

The effects of intraduodenal ibopamine (a new orally active inotropic agent claimed to have haemodynamic effects similar to dopamine) on isovolumic relaxation were monitored for 90 min in eight closed-chest anaesthetized dogs. Dopamine and epinine (ibopamine active metabolite) were also infused at graded doses. After 15 min, ibopamine (12 mg/kg) shortened the time constant of isovolumic relaxation, and increased stroke volume and mean aortic pressure. Peak positive dP/dt increased significantly only 10 min later. Heart rate did not change. Dopamine (10 micrograms/kg per min) similarly reduced the time constant, and increased stroke volume, mean aortic pressure, peak positive dP/dt and heart rate. Epinine (10 micrograms/kg per min) caused similar changes in peak positive dP/dt, stroke volume, mean aortic pressure, and accelerated time constant without raising the heart rate. Ibopamine and epinine therefore significantly improved the isovolumic relaxation phase, like dopamine, without however affecting the heart rate.     

Pharmacology of RG W-2938: a cardiotonic agent with vasodilator activity.

The cardiovascular effects of RG W-2938, 6-[6-(3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-2(1H)-2-oxoquinazolinyl)]-4,5-dihydro-3 (2H-pyridazinone, a new nonglycoside, noncatecholamine cardiotonic/vasodilator agent were examined in vivo in anesthetized and conscious dogs and in vitro in isolated guinea pig hearts; in the latter, RG W-2938 5 nmol-5 mumol increased contractility in a dose-related fashion. RG W-2938 30-300 micrograms/kg administered intravenously (i.v.) to anesthetized dogs increased contractile force while decreasing arterial pressure and total peripheral resistance (TPR) in a dose-related manner. Heart rate (HR) was only slightly increased, and aortic flow was not appreciably altered. A single oral dose of RG W-2938 0.3 mg/kg administered to conscious chronically instrumented dogs produced a marked and sustained increase in contractility 15-240 min after treatment while only slightly increasing HR. The effects of RG W-2938 30-300 micrograms/kg, i.v. were studied in a mecamylamine-propranolol-induced model of heart failure. RG W-2938 effectively reversed the drug-induced heart failure by increasing myocardial contractility and decreasing arterial pressure while only slightly affecting HR. These studies show that RG W-2938 is an orally effective positive inotropic/vasodilator agent.     

The cardiovascular pharmacology of 7-propyl-theo-phylline-dopamine (D4975); comparison with dopamine and dobutamine.

1 The effects of a newly developed dopamine-xanthine derivative, 7-propyl-theophylline-dopamine (D4975), have been examined in cats anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbitone. When administered intravenously (in doses as low as 0.5 to 1.0 micrograms/kg) it increased systemic arterial pressure, left ventricular (LV) dP/dtmax, dP/dt at fixed ventricular isovolumic pressures and cardiac output. Heart rate effects were minimal. 2 D4975 was about 5 times more active than dopamine or dobutamine in elevating LV dP/dtmax or dP/dt at common peak isovolumic pressures (CPIP) and about 10 times more active than dopamine at increasing systemic arterial blood pressure. The effects of D4975 were also more prolonged than those of the other two agents. 3 The effects of D4975 on LV dP/dtmax were greatly reduced by the prior administration of propranolol. D4975 has no effect on peripheral beta 2-adrenoceptors. 4 It is suggested that the effects of D4975 on the myocardium involve both beta 1-adrenoceptor stimulation and inhibition of phosphodiesterase and that the marked and prolonged pressor response is due to resistance to enzymatic breakdown by monoamine oxidase. 5 The results suggest that D4975 might prove valuable in the treatment of the hypotension and reduced myocardial contractility of shock, especially as it is possible to select a dose that increases LV dP/dtmax without increasing either heart rate of systemic arterial pressure.     

Cardiovascular actions of DPI 201-106, a novel cardiotonic agent

DPI 201-106 (4-[3-(4-diphenylmethyl-1-piperazinyl)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-1H-indole -2- carbonitrile) is characterized by a marked cardiotonic activity. The compound exerted positive inotropic effects in anesthetized and conscious dogs, pithed open-chest cats, and isolated hearts of cardiomyopathic hamsters and vanadate-treated guinea-pig atria. Left ventricular dP/dtmax was increased in anesthetized dogs after i.v. injection of 0.2 and 2 mg/kg DPI 201-106 (34 +/- 6 and 104 +/- 18%, respectively) and in unanesthetized dogs after oral doses of 2-8 mg/kg (22 +/- 3 to 50 +/- 5%, respectively). In most experiments, the compound lowered blood pressure and heart rate. Stroke work and left ventricular work were almost unaffected by DPI 201-106, and oxygen consumption and cardiac efficiency remained unchanged in open-chest dogs. Studies of the mechanism of action of DPI 201-106 lead to the conclusion that its positive inotropic effect is not explainable either by beta-stimulation or by liberation of catecholamines. This was shown in anesthetized dogs and pithed open-chest cats pretreated with propranolol and reserpine.     

Cardiovascular effects of AR-L115 BS in conscious dogs with and without chronic congestive heart failure

AR-L115 BS is a phenyl-imidazo-pyridine derivative that combines positive inotropic and vasodilator properties. To analyze the mechanisms of action of AR-L115 in the presence or absence of heart failure, we administered it intravenously to conscious dogs (seven normals and eight with a volume-overload heart failure). In normals, at a plasma level around 1,000 ng/ml, AR-L115 BS increased left ventricular (LV) peak (+) dP/dt (+48%; p less than 0.02) and heart rate (+29 beats/min; p less than 0.05) without altering significantly cardiac filling pressures or cardiac output. The mean aortic pressure and the systemic vascular resistances (-20%; p less than 0.02) were reduced, but plasma renin activity (PRA) was unchanged. In heart failure, the same plasma level increased peak (+) dP/dt by 36% (p less than 0.01), but heart rate stayed unchanged. Mean aortic pressure, systemic vascular resistances (-20%; p less than 0.01), and LV end-diastolic pressure (-9.1 mm Hg; p less than 0.01) all dropped significantly, while cardiac output increased slightly; PRA did not rise significantly. After beta-blockade, the increases in peak (+) dP/dt and the changes in systemic vascular resistances were markedly reduced. In conclusion, AR-L115 BS has strong positive inotropic and vasodilator effects, both of which are partially dependent on the level of the sympathetic tone in the intact animal. These combined properties improve hemodynamics in heart failure; this improvement is already significant at relatively low plasma levels, at which deleterious changes in heart rate or PRA are absent.     

Effects of intracoronary Bay k 8644, a calcium channel agonist, in anesthetized dogs

Bay k 8644, a new dihydropyridine calcium channel activator has been shown to have positive inotropic and vasoconstrictor properties following intravenous (i.v.) administration. In the present study, intracoronary administration of Bay k 8644 was used to isolate drug effects on regional myocardial blood flow and contractility independent of systemic hemodynamic actions in beta-adrenoceptor-blocked anesthetized dogs. Intracoronary infusion of Bay k 8644 (1.5, 3.7, 7.4, 14.8 micrograms/min) produced significant increases in contractility (percentage of segment shortening) in the drug-perfused region. Peak positive dP/dt, an index of global contractility, was increased in parallel with increases of regional contractility. No other changes in systemic hemodynamics occurred. Transmural tissue blood flow distribution as measured by radioactive microspheres was also unchanged by Bay k 8644. Intracoronary infusion of KB-944, a nondihydropyridine calcium channel blocking agent, increased coronary blood flow and decreased regional segment shortening and peak positive dP/dt. KB-944 inhibited increases in contractility produced by Bay k 8644. Thus, Bay k 8644 was shown to have a direct positive inotropic effect in vivo which was inhibited by calcium channel blockade.     

Celiprolol: a positive inotropic beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent in conscious dogs.

1. beta-Adrenoceptor blocking agents are used to manage various cardiovascular disorders. A limiting factor in their use is the suppression of the cardiac contractile state. In our study, we examined the cardiac effects of celiprolol, a new beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent with reported positive inotropic effects. 2. Dogs were instrumented by use of sterile surgical techniques for the study of myocardial inotropic state, heart rate and internal left ventricular dimensions. Following complete recovery from surgery, experiments were conducted in the conscious state. 3. Intravenous injection of celiprolol (3 mg kg-1) in nine dogs, increased LV dP/dt by 13 +/- 2.6%, velocity of shortening (LV dD/dt) by 9.2 +/- 3.4%, and heart rate by 19 +/- 4.6% and decreased LV end-diastolic diameter by 1.8 +/- 0.8%, all significantly (P less than 0.05). Celiprolol blocked the inotropic actions of isoprenaline (0.5 micrograms kg-1) but only partially reduced its hypotensive effects. Propranolol, in contrast, reduced LV dP/dt by 17 +/- 3.3% and heart rate by 8.1 +/- 2.7% (P less than 0.05) while totally abolishing the hypotension, tachycardia and increase in LV dP/dt caused by isoprenaline. Following beta-adrenoceptor blockade with propranolol and with heart rate held constant by electrical pacing, celiprolol increased LV dP/dt by 16 +/- 4.0%, LV dD/dt by 12 +/- 3.0% and reduced LV end-diastolic diameter by 3.5 +/- 0.5% (P less than 0.05). 4. Thus, in conscious dogs, celiprolol increases inotropic state and reduces preload independently of beta 1-adrenoceptor mechanisms and the Bowditch phenomenon, while effectively blocking beta 1-receptors in the heart. These properties would make celiprolol useful in patients where a conventional beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent might lead to pump failure.     

Relative inotropic and chronotropic activity of beta-adrenoceptor stimulants in anaesthetised, areflexic dogs

The use of different methods of measuring contractility and the effects of cardiovascular reflexes are among the factors which complicate the assessment of selective inotropic activity of beta-adrenoceptor agonists. The effects of dobutamine, prenalterol, noradrenaline and isoprenaline on heart rate, iliac blood flow, left ventricular pressure, max dP/dt and (dP/dt) divided by IIT (integrated isometric tension) were evaluated in anaesthetised dogs in which the hearts were denervated and blood pressure held constant. All the drugs caused dose-dependent increases in heart rate and contractility. The relative chronotropic and inotropic activity of each agonist was evaluated. At most doses studied the agonists exerted similar chronotropic and inotropic activity when compared to the non-selective agonist isoprenaline. It is likely that the inotropic selectivity observed with prenalterol and dobutamine in previous studies depends on factors other than direct drug action.