Influence of contractile state on curvilinearity of in situ end-systolic pressure-volume relations.

Although in situ end-systolic pressure-volume relations (ESPVRs) are approximately linear throughout a limited load range, they often yield seemingly "negative" volume axis intercepts (V0) and V0 shifts with inotropic interventions. We tested whether or not these findings could stem from in situ ESPVR nonlinearity, and we examined the physiologic meaning and limitations of linearized ESPVR variables frequently used for assessing contractile state. Continuous left ventricular pressures and volumes were obtained by micromanometer and conductance (volume) catheters in six open-chest dogs. Left ventricular loading was varied throughout a wide range by rapid left atrial hemorrhage into a reservoir. Propranolol and verapamil were administered to reduce inotropic state, with heart rate maintained by atrioventricular sequential pacing. ESPVRs were fit to nonlinear [Pes = a(Ves-V'0)2 + b(Ves-V'0)] and linear (Pes = Ees (Ves-V0)] models. Contractile state was assessed by the slope of the ESPVR at V'0 (b, of nonline...