Staircase, rest contractions, and potentiation in the isolated rat heart

Abstract

Variation in amplitude of isotonic contractions of intact isolated rat hearts, following changes in cycle length, were studied. It was found that a staircase-like phenomenon resembling the original Bowditch effect cannot be evoked in a intact mammalian heart without special measures, such as adding acetylcholine to the perfusion fluid. A steady state relation of rate to amplitude of iso tonic contractions was demonstrated. Potentiation of contractility can be originated by sudden changes in stimulation rate. A rest period preceding the changes in stimulation rate does not change the potentiation found originally. At a constant rate the amplitude of a contraction is determined by the preceding cycle length. This relation has been called restitution. Theoretical evidence is presented in an attempt to demonstrate that restitution and potentiation are due to the same process. It can be concluded th at Bowditch's staircase does not play a role in the relationship between cycle length and contractility in intact hearts and the statement that restitution and potentiation are due to the same process offers an opportunity to describe all effects of changes in cycle length on iso tonic contractions as one phenomenon.