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Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 276: H1339-H1345, 1999;
0363-6135/99 $5.00
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Vol. 276, Issue 4, H1339-H1345, April 1999

Oxygen-wasting effect of inotropy  in the "virtual work model"

Christian Korvald, Odd P. Elvenes, Lars M. Ytrebø, Dag G. Sørlie, and Truls Myrmel

Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital of Tromsø, N-9038 Tromsø, Norway


    ABSTRACT
TOP
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES

In the "virtual work model," left ventricular total mechanical energy (TME) is linearly related to myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2). This relationship (MVO2-TME) is supposedly independent of inotropic stimulation, vascular loading, and heart rate variations. We reexamined the effect of inotropic stimulation (dopamine) on the metabolic to mechanical energy transfer in nine open-chest anesthetized pigs. Left ventricular mechanical energy was calculated using TME (mean ejection pressure × end-diastolic volume + stroke work), TMEW (end-diastolic volume reduced by unstressed ventricular volume), and the pressure-volume area (PVA). A highly linear relationship between MVO2 and mechanical energy was found for all three indexes during control and dopamine runs (r = 0.87-0.99). The slopes were unaltered by dopamine. y-Axis intercepts were (control vs. dopamine) as follows (in J · beat-1 · 100 mg-1; means ± SD): TME, 0.36 ± 0.12 vs. 0.61 ± 0.30 (P < 0.02); TMEW, 0.43 ± 0.16 vs. 0.72 ± 0.32 (P < 0.02); and PVA, 0.34 ± 0.13 vs. 0.60 ± 0.30 (P < 0.02). We conclude that the virtual work model is dependent on inotropic stimulation and that new insight into myocardial chemomechanical coupling is not added by this concept.

left ventricle; myocardial oxygen consumption; myocardial energetics; pressure-volume area; total mechanical energy


    INTRODUCTION
TOP
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES

THE LEFT VENTRICULAR (LV) pressure-volume area (PVA), defined by Suga (34), has been found to have a linear relationship to myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2). Total PVA is described in the pressure-volume (PV) diagram as the area bounded by the end-systolic and end-diastolic PV relations (ESPVR and EDPVR) and the systolic PV trajectory. The total area consists of two smaller areas: one surrounded by the PV loop (external work or stroke work) and one limited by ESPVR and EDPVR and the diastolic PV trajectory (elastic potential energy). Attempts to find thermodynamic grounds to justify the use of PVA have been largely unsuccessful (3, 10), and the subcellular processes corresponding to different parts of the areas are largely unknown (7). On the other hand, a series of experiments have related the y-axis intercept of the linear MVO2-PVA relationship to energy used for basal metabolism and excitation-contraction coupling (PVA-independent MVO2) (27, 37). An inotropy-induced increase in the PVA-independent MVO2 has been shown to represent an increased energy demand for excitation-contraction coupling and has been termed the "oxygen-wasting" effect of inotropic stimulation (35).

Elbeery et al. (12) and Lucke et al. (21) have recently introduced the "virtual work model," using a new index of LV total mechanical energy (TME) as an alternative to the PVA concept. TME was defined as
TME = MEP × (V<SUB>ED</SUB> − V<SUB>W</SUB>) + SW (1)
where MEP is the mean ejection pressure [i.e., mean pressure throughout the interval between peak positive and peak negative first derivative of pressure (dP/dt)], VED is end-diastolic volume, SW is stroke work (the area in the PV loop), and VW is the x-intercept of the SW-VED relationship [called V0 by Elbeery et al. (12)]. In the works of Elbeery et al. (12) and Lucke et al. (21), VW was considered small relative to VED and was therefore omitted for the sake of simplicity, because VW is difficult to obtain. The reduced equation for TME was
TME = MEP × V<SUB>ED</SUB> + SW (2)
The theoretical basis for this index is based on hemodynamic variables derived from total heat production or enthalpy, but its experimental basis is still unpublished (12). Compared with PVA, Elbeery et al. (12) found TME to have a closer correlation to MVO2. TME was also found to be unaltered by preload, afterload, and heart rate. Importantly, inotropic stimulation with calcium (12) or ouabain (21) did not alter the slope or y-axis intercept of the MVO2-TME relationship in their experiments. The authors (12, 21) thus suggested that the concept of oxygen waste related to inotropy has been based on incorrect indexes of mechanoenergetic relationships. If this is correct, we need to alter our conception that inotropic drugs unfavorably change myocardial energy transfer efficiency.

The aim of the present study was to reexamine the reported independence of the MVO2-TME relationship to inotropic stimulation, utilizing dopamine as an inotrope and the MVO2-PVA relationship as a reference. Additionally, as illustrated in Fig. 1, we explored to what extent oxygen waste of inotropy is concealed by the simplification of the TME equation from Eq. 1 to Eq. 2, because LV unloaded volume (V0 and VW) has been found to increase during dobutamine infusion (17, 19, 23, 31).


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Fig. 1.   Myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2)-total mechanical energy (TME) relationship (solid line). At a certain measured level of MVO2, an inotropy-induced increment in x-intercept of stroke work-end-diastolic volume relationship (VW) will move calculated TME along A to B line when Eq. 1 is used. This will appear as an oxygen waste of inotropy; MVO2-TME relationship shifted leftward (dashed line).


    MATERIALS AND METHODS
TOP
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES

The experimental protocol was approved by the local steering committee of the Norwegian Experimental Animal Board and was registered by the board. All studies were conducted in compliance with institutional animal care guidelines, the National Institute of Health's Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals [DHHS Publication No. (NIH) 85-23, Revised 1985], and the "Guiding Principles in the Care and Use of Animals" of the American Physiological Society.

Experimental Preparation

Nine pigs (Norwegian landswine) (25-31 kg, either sex) were fasted overnight with free access to water. The pigs were premedicated with an intramuscular injection of ketamine (20 mg/kg) and atropine (1 mg). An initial bolus of pentobarbital sodium (10 mg/kg) and Fentanyl (0.01 mg/kg) was then given intravenously. The pigs were tracheostomized and intubated. Ventilation was maintained with an air-oxygen mixture (FIO2 = 50) on a volume-controlled respirator (Servo 900, Elema-Schönander, Stockholm, Sweden). Tidal volume was adjusted according to arterial blood gas samples (PCO2 4.0-5.0 kPa) (BGM, Allied Instrumentation Laboratory). Anesthesia was maintained with continuous intravenous infusions of pentobarbital sodium (4 mg · kg-1 · min-1), fentanyl (0.05 mg · kg-1 · min-1), and midazolam (0.3 mg · kg-1 · min-1) via the left external jugular vein. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured in the thoracic descending aorta, with the catheter inserted from the left femoral artery. A short catheter for arterial blood samples and measurements of arterial blood resistivity (rho ) was advanced to the abdominal aorta via the right femoral artery. Central venous pressure was recorded in the right atrium with a catheter inserted via the right external jugular vein. After sternotomy, the left hemiazygos vein was ligated at its passage through the pericardium. Transit time ultrasonic flow probes (CardioMed) were placed on the main stem of the left coronary artery and on the trunk of the pulmonary artery. Heparin sodium (5,000 IU) was administered intravenously and repeated once during dopamine infusion. The coronary sinus was catheterized with a stiff catheter through the left thoracic wall and into the sinus via the ligated left hemiazygos vein. A 7-Fr balloon catheter (Sorin Biomedical) was advanced to the proximal part of the inferior vena cava via the right femoral vein. Proper positioning of the catheter was verified by rapidly inflating the balloon, resulting in an immediate fall in cardiac output (CO) and MAP. A 6-Fr, 12-electrode, dual-field, pigtail combined conductance catheter, giving both pressure and volume signals (Millar Instruments), was positioned in the left ventricle via the left common carotid artery. The proper position of the conductance catheter was verified digitally by palpating the pigtail in the apex of the heart. Blood volume was maintained by intravenous infusion of 0.9% NaCl enriched with glucose at 1.25 g/l. Infusion rate was initially set to 15 ml · kg-1 · h-1 and was adjusted to keep central venous pressure constant throughout the protocol (range 2-5 mmHg) and diuresis above 1 ml · kg-1 · h-1. The bladder was catheterized via a suprapubic midline incision. By the end of the experimental protocol, anesthesia was terminated with infusion of large doses of pentobarbital sodium, fentanyl, and midazolam. Animals were then killed with an intraventricular injection of 10 ml (1 mmol/ml) potassium chloride.

Experimental Protocol

The protocol consisted of two time periods: the control and dopamine runs. After instrumentation, the pigs were stabilized for 15 min. At the start of each run, arterial blood samples for Hb, O2 saturation, and rho  assessment were drawn. Parallel volume (Vp) assessments, representing nonblood conductance, were done by injecting a 3-ml bolus of 10% NaCl into the pulmonary artery (2). During every PV measurement, the respirator was disconnected for 10 s to avoid the respiratory influence on hemodynamics. Five to eight data acquisitions, including MVO2 and PV data, were recorded simultaneously during each run. Recordings started at uninfluenced preload, and subsequent recordings were done during steps of preload reduction (MAP decrement in steps of 5-10 mmHg) using the caval balloon catheter. Sixty to ninety seconds were needed to reach a desired steady-state MAP level, which was held for 10-15 s before the start of sampling. PV data were then recorded over a period of 10 s, while simultaneously coronary sinus blood for O2 saturation measurement was drawn and coronary blood flow was assessed. The half-time of coronary flow adaptation to decreased perfusion pressure is ~5 s (9). After the start of continuous dopamine infusion, and stabilization for a minimum of 15 min, the measurements during the dopamine time period were performed identically. The dopamine infusion was given using a syringe pump (Therumo STC 521, Vingmed, Horten, Norway) at 5-10 µg · kg-1 · min-1. Doses were adjusted to give an increased MAP of at least 20 mmHg.

Data Acquisition

The microtip pressure part of the combined conductance catheter was connected to a pressure-transducer control unit (Millar TC-510, Millar Instruments) and relayed via a signal amplifier (Gould) to the conductance conditioner (Leycom Sigma 5 DF, Cardiodynamics). The conductance catheter part of the catheter was directly connected to the Sigma 5 DF. Calibration of the pressure signals was done in vitro before insertion of the catheter, using the standardized 0- and 100-mmHg signals from the Millar TC-510 and the calibration program in the conductance calibration software (CPCcal, Cardiodynamics). The sampling rate of the conductance and pressure signals was set to 250 Hz. On-line real-time displays of segmental volumes were then inspected to find the combination of segments giving maximal total volume, as well as excluding segments lying outside of the left ventricle. Factors of rho  were determined once per control and dopamine runs by drawing arterial blood, using an air-tight syringe cuvette designed for the Sigma 5 DF. The correct placement of the flow probes was evaluated directly by inspecting the waveform of the flow signal and using the on-screen strength-of-signal display in the flow computer (CardioMed CM-4000, Cardiomed). Hb O2 saturation was measured using a hemoximeter (OSM2 Hemoximeter, Radiometer, Copenhagen, Denmark). Calibration of the hemoximeter was done before each experiment. Hb was analyzed from EDTA-blood on a cell analyzer (CA 460, Medonic).

Calculations

Conductance-catheter signals. The conductance-catheter method has been extensively described earlier with respect to technical and methodological aspects (2, 19), accuracy (1), and limitations (5). We used the dual-field technique (33). The conversion of conductance to volume is calculated by the formula
V(<IT>t</IT>) = (1/&agr;) × (<IT>L</IT><SUP>2</SUP>/&rgr;) × [<IT>G</IT>(<IT>t</IT>) − <IT>G</IT><SUB>p</SUB>] (3)
where V(t) is the total volume; alpha  is the slope factor, relating conductance volumes to an independent method, e.g., ultrasonic flow probes or temperature dilution technique; L is the interelectrode distance; rho  is the blood resistivity; G(t) is the summed segmental conductances; and Gp is the total parallel conductance (2, 19). We adjusted our volume signals for rho  and parallel conductance but did not use the gain correction factor (alpha ), because we were interested in relative volume changes only, not the absolute volumes.

PV relationships. Calculations were done using the analysis software of the Conduct-PC package (CPCW version V3.15, Cardiodynamics). The Vp for control runs and dopamine runs was determined using consecutive beats in the ventricular phase of the 10% NaCl bolus wash-through (from baseline to maximal end-diastolic volume). The selection of the correct Vp was then based on a mean of sets from a minimum of four beats. The theoretical background for Vp calculations was described previously (2). The same Vp value was used in all different preload states in the control condition, and a new Vp value was used in the dopamine series. The heart cycle was defined to start at the peak of the R wave in the QRS complex, corresponding to end diastole. End systole is calculated as proposed by Sagawa (30). PV data were then calculated automatically by the software, after inspection of each file for proper electrocardiogram marking and exclusion of extrasystoles.

MVO2 and mechanical energy. MVO2 (J/beat) was calculated as
M<A><AC>V</AC><AC>˙</AC></A><SC>o</SC><SUB>2</SUB> = (CBF × avD<SC>o</SC><SUB>2</SUB> × Hb × 1.39)/HR
× 20.2 J/ml O<SUB>2</SUB> (4)
where CBF is coronary blood flow (in ml/min), avDO2 is the difference between aortic and coronary sinus O2 saturations, Hb is hemoglobin (in g/ml), 1.39 is a constant (in ml O2/g Hb), and HR is heart rate (in beats/min).

MEP is defined as the mean intraventricular pressure between dP/dtmax and dP/dtmin (12). Pressure data from 10-15 steady-state beats were averaged to 1 beat (CPCW software) and transported to a spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel 5.0), where dP/dtmax and dP/dtmin were calculated, and the included interval of pressures was averaged. TME (in mmHg · ml · beat-1) and TMEW (VED reduced by VW) were then calculated according to Eqs. 2 and 1, respectively. PVA (in mmHg · ml · beat-1) was calculated as (39)
PVA = SW + [P<SUB>ES</SUB> × (V<SUB>ES</SUB> − V<SUB>0</SUB>)/2]
− [P<SUB>ED</SUB> × (V<SUB>ED</SUB> − V<SUB>0</SUB>)/4] (5)
where SW is stroke work (area of the PV loop; integrated from all sampled pressures and volumes between end diastole and end systole, calculated by an algorithm in the CPCW software), PES is end-systolic pressure, VES is end-systolic volume, V0 is LV unloaded volume (x-intercept of the ESPVR), PED is end-diastolic pressure, and VED is end-diastolic volume. Mechanical indexes were converted to joules using the constant 1.33 × 10-4 J · ml-1 · mmHg-1. The calculated MVO2, TME, TMEW, and PVA data were normalized to 100 g of LV wall wet weight, where LV wall wet weight was calculated as 3.3 g LV wall wet wt/kg total pig wt, originating from swine of the Yorkshire strain (24).

Contractility. We utilized two indexes reflecting LV contractility, the slope (PRSWI) of the linear SW-VED relationships (preload recruitable SW) (13) and the slope (EES) of the ESPVR (35). It is reported that over a wide range of loading conditions the PRSWI seems to be more stable than the EES (38). In this study, we chose the PRSWI as the key index of LV contractility. The points used for estimation of both PRSWI and EES are values set from each steady-state preload reduction, during each of the control and dopamine runs.

Statistics

Each experiment served as its own control. No time controls were performed. Experiments were included only if the slope of the SW-VED relationship (PRSWI) was significantly increased by dopamine on an individual basis [significant interaction at P < 0.05 by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), see below]. The effect of dopamine on general variables was examined by a paired t-test. Least-squares linear regression lines were calculated using MVO2 as the dependent variable and TME, TMEW, or PVA as independent variables. The effect of dopamine on slopes and y-axis intercepts was examined by a paired t-test, in accordance with Goto et al. (14). A further assessment of the overall effect of increased inotropy was also done by an ANCOVA on the pools of MVO2 to TME, TMEW, and PVA data using the regression (20)
M<A><AC>V</AC><AC>˙</AC></A><SC>o</SC><SUB>2</SUB> = &bgr;<SUB>0</SUB> + &bgr;<SUB>1</SUB><IT>X</IT> + &bgr;<SUB>2</SUB><IT>D</IT> + &bgr;<SUB>3</SUB><IT>XD</IT> (6)
where beta 0-3 are the different coefficients estimated by the analysis, X is the independent variable, D is a dummy variable (0 if control, 1 if dopamine), and X × D is the interaction (i.e., probability of intersecting lines). Backward stepwise elimination of products from Eq. 6 was done if beta 0-3 had a probability of P > 0.1. By elimination of interaction (omitting beta 3 · X · D), ANCOVA was performed with equal mean of X and equal slopes assumed (20). Values are reported as means ± SD. Significance was generally accepted at P < 0.05. Calculations and statistics were performed using a spread sheet (Microsoft Excel 5.0) and a statistical package (SPSS 8.0.0).


    RESULTS
TOP
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES

Figure 2 shows an example of averaged PV loops from each step of caval occlusions during control and dopamine runs. Table 1 presents hemodynamic data at the start of the control and dopamine runs. Table 2 presents mechanical indexes. Dopamine increased HR, CO, afterload (MAP, MEP, PES), left coronary artery flow, MVO2, and contractility (PRSWI, dP/dtmax, and EES). No significant alterations of the ventricular volumes (VES/ED) were found (Table 1). The x-intercepts of both the ESPVR (V0) and SW-VED (VW) relationships were shifted to the right during dopamine infusion (Table 2). Arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference was 69 ± 12% at the start of the control runs and 73 ± 13% at the start of the dopamine runs (P < 0.05, paired t-test). Calculated LV wall wet weight was 95 ± 9 g (range 83-106 g).


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Fig. 2.   Averaged, steady-state, pressure-volume loops in different grades of preload reduction (caval occlusion) from study 5 are shown. A: control. B: dopamine. Straight lines represent end-systolic pressure-volume relationship in the 2 situations, illustrating dopamine-induced increased contractility (increased slope).

                              
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Table 1.   Hemodynamic parameters


                              
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Table 2.   Mechanical indexes

Linear regression equations between MVO2 and mechanical energy indexes of all experiments are presented in Table 3. The means of the slopes showed no significant difference between control and dopamine runs using TME, TMEW, or PVA as the independent variable. Mean y-axis intercepts were significantly increased during the dopamine runs for all mechanical energy indexes used. The magnitude of y-axis intercept elevation during dopamine infusion was greater if VW was included in the calculation of TME (in J · beat-1 · 100 g-1: TMEW, 0.30 ± 0.25; TME, 0.24 ± 0.25; P < 0.05, paired t-test). The PVA-independent MVO2 increment was 0.26 ± 0.25 J · beat-1 · 100 g-1. The statistical differences presented in Table 3 were confirmed by ANCOVA on the pools of MVO2 to mechanical energy data (data presented in Fig. 3). In these regressions, the probabilities of interaction were as follows: TME, P = 0.51; TMEW, P = 0.42; PVA, P = 0.74. After one-step backward elimination of interaction, the increases in y-axis intercepts of dopamine infusion were as follows (in J · beat-1 · 100 g-1): TMEW, 0.31 ± 0.15; TME, 0.23 ± 0.15 (both P < 0.001, ANCOVA). The corresponding increment in PVA-independent MVO2 was 0.30 ± 0.15 J · beat-1 · 100 g-1 (P < 0.001).

                              
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Table 3.   Relationships between MVO2 and left ventricular mechanical energy



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Fig. 3.   A-C: scatters and regression lines of all MVO2 to mechanical energy data points, as entered for analysis of covariance. A: MVO2-pressure-volume area (PVA) relationship. B: MVO2-end-diastolic volume reduced by unstressed ventricular volume (TMEW) relationship (TMEW calculated by Eq. 1). C: MVO2-TME relationship (TME calculated by Eq. 2). Circles and solid line, control runs (n = 58); triangles and broken line, dopamine runs (n = 58). See text for results.


    DISCUSSION
TOP
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES

This study demonstrates the oxygen-wasting effect of inotropic stimulation, as has been shown in a number of previous mechanoenergetic studies (6, 11, 14, 35). Our novel data show that such an inefficient mechanoenergetic relationship can be found also when the TME of the virtual work model (12) is used. In accordance with the original study presenting the virtual work model, we found a highly linear correlation in the MVO2-TME relationship. Contrary to Elbeery et al. (12), our results show that oxygen waste of inotropy is a general phenomenon, a finding unrelated to type of index used to describe myocardial energy transfer (i.e., PVA, TME, and TMEW). Finally, the virtual work model was not found superior to the PVA concept as reported by Elbeery et al. (12).

When discussing their results, Lucke et al. (21) and Elbeery et al. (12) suggest that an oxygen-wasting effect of inotropic stimulation is a phenomenon confined to isolated heart preparations. The relatively increased myocardial oxygen consumption during inotropic stimulation in these heart models could be caused by a mismatch between coronary flow and mechanical energy consumption. However, the present in situ study demonstrates an inotropy-related increase in both oxygen extraction and coronary flow, giving a significant oxygen waste, revealed in an increased MVO2-to-TME ratio. Nozawa et al. (26) have also shown that dobutamine infusion causes an oxygen-wasting effect using the PVA concept in a conscious dog model. These studies therefore contradict the suggestion that oxygen wasting is a phenomenon restricted to isolated heart preparations.

Elbeery et al. (12) also proposed that oxygen waste was an apparent effect due to inotropy-induced dynamic creep in isolated hearts, or a leftward shift of the intercept (VW) of the SW-VED relationship on the x-axis. This could falsely suggest a relatively increased oxygen consumption compared with mechanical energy output. This is opposed to a series of experiments in intact animals (19, 23, 31) and in humans (17) that has shown a rightward shift of the unloaded volume (VW) after inotropic stimulation. In the present study, VW as well as V0 from the ESPVR was shifted to the right during inotropic stimulation. When VW was excluded from the TME calculation, this caused an underestimation, but not a total elimination, of the calculated oxygen waste. Consequently, our study does not support the presumption that VW can be excluded from the TME calculation.

When PVA is calculated, the V0 is derived from a linear ESPVR by definition (35). As in the present study, a negative estimate of V0 is often reported. Theoretically, V0 represents the volume at which the ventricle generates no pressure, but a negative V0 obviously has no physiological meaning (18). A possible explanation for the negative V0 could be that the ESPVR is load dependent and might be curvilinear outside the registered load levels (18, 35, 38). Additionally, conductance volumetry in general gives a somewhat lower EES and therefore potentially contributes to the negative V0 (19). Whether dopamine increases the nonlinearity of the ESPVR outside our loading levels, and thus influences the PVA calculations, is uncertain. This represents a limitation of the PVA model and the study design. However, the MVO2-PVA relationship, and its response to dobutamine, has been shown earlier to be similar whether the ESPVR is assumed to be linear or nonlinear (26).

The virtual work model has been criticized by Hata et al. (16). Their main objection has been apparently missing and incorrect steps in the mathematical deductions of hemodynamic indexes from total heat production. The present study does not address these deductions. In our study both TME and TMEW were correlated to PVA with a coefficient of 0.99 (P < 0.01, n = 116). Thus the virtual work model differs only from the PVA model on a factorial level. Indexes based on tension development or pressure work will incorporate the main energy-consuming process in the myocardium, and close correlations to MVO2 will therefore be found. Whether new indexes, such as the virtual work model, improve on describing the true thermodynamic processes in the heart is still uncertain (10).

Relationships between MVO2 and mechanical energy are, to date, best documented empirically and theoretically in the time-varying elastance model (PVA) (35). The advantage of the model lies in the possibility of dividing total MVO2 into MVO2 related to external work and unloaded metabolism (y-intercept) (35). Unloaded metabolism represents the oxygen consumption in a contracting ventricle doing no external work and is subdivided into energy for excitation-contraction coupling and basal metabolism (MVO2 of cardiac arrest). In this model, the mechanism for the oxygen-wasting effect of increased inotropy has been extensively examined in a series of experiments by Suga (35) and Nozawa et al. (27). These studies conclude that the inotropy-induced increase in y-axis intercept with no alteration in the slope of the MVO2-PVA relationship represents increased energy related to excitation-contraction coupling. Recent studies using both catecholamines and a new class of calcium sensitizers with no calcium-increasing effects (15, 25) support such a mechanism for inotropy-induced oxygen wasting.

The increase in oxygen consumption during inotropic stimulation was well documented in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as reviewed by Braunwald (4). Increased MVO2 during norepinephrine (32), digitalis glycosides (8), glucagon (22), and calcium (32) infusions has been studied thoroughly using the velocity of contraction and tension-time index (TTI) models. On the other hand, Rooke and Feigl (29) found inotropy-induced oxygen wasting using the pressure-rate product and TTI, but not when using an empirical equation that also included stroke volume and external work (pressure-work index; PWI). However, the PWI is limited by its dependence on time-varying loading conditions and the lack of ventricular volume measurements. Suga et al. (36) similarly varied stroke volume as well as ventricular volume and pressures, finding no alteration in the MVO2-PVA relationships during these variations but still an oxygen-wasting effect of catecholamines (36).

The present study is the first to examine the effect of catecholamines in the virtual work model. It is not entirely clear that catecholamine and noncatecholamine inotropes affect the TME-relationship identically. However, the mechanoenergetic inefficiency caused by increased inotropy in the virtual work model should probably not be conveyed only to catecholamines, because oxygen waste of inotropy has been shown both for calcium (28) and ouabain (40) in the MVO2-PVA model.

In conclusion, the present study shows that an oxygen-wasting effect of inotropic stimulation can be found using the virtual work model for left ventricular chemomechanical relationships. Thus the virtual work model has not added insight into understanding myocardial chemomechanical coupling above and beyond the PVA relationship. Simplifications to avoid assessment of the unloaded volume during mechanoenergetic calculations can potentially give misleading results.


    ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Expert feedback was kindly given by Prof. Eivind S. P. Myhre, Dept. of Medical Physiology, University of Tromsø, and Dept. of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Tromsø, Norway. Statistical advice was given by Associate Professor Ingard Holme, Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, Norway.


    FOOTNOTES

This work was supported in part by grants from the Norwegian Council on Cardiovascular Diseases, the Norwegian Research Council, and the Odd Berg Research Fund, Norway.

The costs of publication of this article were defrayed in part by the payment of page charges. The article must therefore be hereby marked "advertisement" in accordance with 18 U.S.C. §1734 solely to indicate this fact.

Address for reprint requests and other correspondence: C. Korvald, Dept. of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital of Tromsø, N-9038 Tromsø Norway (E-mail: korvald{at}fagmed.uit.no).

Received 13 April 1998; accepted in final form 29 December 1998.


    REFERENCES
TOP
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES

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Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 276(4):H1339-H1345
0002-9513/99 $5.00 Copyright © 1999 the American Physiological Society



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