Abstract
In order to investigate whether NA could elicite IE through activation of α-AR also in human heart, specimens of both atrial (AM) and ventricular muscle (VM) were obtained during open heart surgery and studied ex vivo at extensive β-AR blockade. In adult patients, NA elicited an α-adrenergic inotropic effect (α-AIE) both in AM and VM with maximal response (MR) of about 50 % compared to control contraction before additon of NA. In VM from two children with subvalvular pulmonary stenosis (SVPS), NA was less potent compared to adult VM, although MR was rather similar. In AM from one child with Down's syndrom (trisomy 21) and heart malformation, NA showed about the same potency as in VM from SVPS-hearts. MR was about 600 % compared to control contraction. The basal function of this AM during control period was rather poor possibly explaining the large relative response. Thus NA can elicite an α-AIE in AM and VM from both children and adults. The potency and efficacy may differ depending upon age or pathophysiology or both.
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Skomedal, T., Aass, H., Osnes, JB. et al. 120: α-ADRENOCEPTOR (α-AR) MEDIATED INOTROPIC EFFECT (IE) OF NORADRENALINE (NA) IN HUMAN MYOCARDIUM. Pediatr Res 24, 280 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198808000-00145
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198808000-00145