Canine end-systolic pressure-length relationships: Depressed by diltiazem, invalidated by ischemia

Endothelin‐1 receptor antagonism does not influence myocardial function in hypertensive dogs

“…Because major modifications were observed on preload and afterload, the usual indices of systolic heart function may be misleading [35]. We therefore also analysed slopes of ESPLR validated as a load-independent index of inotropic state [32,33]. In hypertensive conditions without autonomic blockade (group I), marked dose-dependent hypotensive effects of bosentan were noted, reaching 21% and 23% decrease in MAP and LVSP respectively.…”

“…Next to the usual indices of contractility, all influenced by load conditions and heart rate, we have also studied the end-systolic pressure-length relationship (ESPLR) during inferior vena cava occlusion. This indice, derived from pressure-length loops during this manoeuvre, has been previously validated as a load-insensitive marker of myocardial contractility [32,33].…”