AJP - Heart and Circulatory Physiology, Vol 248, Issue 4 523-H533, Copyright © 1985 by American Physiological Society
Effects of loading conditions and inotropic state on rapid filling phase of left ventricle
R. C. Bahler and P. Martin
Afterload, activation sequence, inotropism, and extent of shortening affect
the time constant (T) of left ventricular (LV) isovolumic pressure decay,
yet it is unknown if they modify peak lengthening velocity of the LV minor
axis [(dD/dt)/D]. Accordingly, we studied their effects on (dD/dt)/D,
measured by sonomicrometry, in nine anesthetized open-chest dogs during
atrial pacing at 2 Hz. Afterload was increased 20-40 mmHg by 1)
constricting the ascending aorta and 2) occluding the descending aorta for
four beats. Activation was altered by right ventricular pacing. These
interventions, plus constriction of venae cavae, were studied during four
inotropic states. Aortic stenosis increased (dD/dt)/D (P less than 0.05),
whereas occlusion of the descending aorta, vena caval constriction, and
right ventricular pacing decreased (dD/dt)/D (P less than 0.05). Left
atrial pressure was constant except during vena caval constriction.
Alterations in inotropic state modified (dD/dt)/D (P less than 0.001).
Extent of shortening and (dD/dt)/D were directly related (r = 0.80, P less
than 0.001). Changes in (dD/dt)/D and T were inversely related (r = 0.70, P
less than 0.001), and alterations in the interval from -dP/dtpeak to the
end of rapid filling were directly related to changes in T (r = 0.75, P
less than 0.001). We conclude that (dD/dt)/D can be modified by systolic
and diastolic load perturbations, activation sequence, and inotropic
interventions. These effects relate to changes in extent of shortening,
time course of inactivation, or both.
