Inotropic Effects of Gaseous Transmitters in Isolated Rat Heart Preparation

We studied the effects of carbon monoxide and sodium hydrosulfide, hydrogen sulfide donor, on contractile activity of the left ventricle in Langendorf-perfused isolated rat heart. Carbon monoxide 5x10(-5) M significantly accelerated sinus rhythm and left-ventricular pressure wave growth and decay. To the contrary, negative inotropic and chronotropic effects were observed at higher concentrations of carbon monoxide (10(-4), 3x10(-4) M). Sodium hydrosulfide (10(-4)-4x10(-4) M) decreased all the parameters of left-ventricular contractive activity and reduced contraction rate. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide, which together with nitrogen oxide are qualified as a new class of gaseous signal compounds, may substantially modulate pumping function of the heart.