Functional state and adrenergic reactivity of the myocardium in experimental atherosclerosis

: The authors studied the changes in the functional properties of a rabbit heart in protracted alimentary hypercholesterolemia (HCE). It is shown that HCE has a little effect on the characteristics of myocardial contractility and adrenergic sensitivity. In protracted HCE the probability of the occurrence of a myocardial own rhythm in response to the effect of isoprenaline increased. HCE with simultaneous vasopressin administration failed to change the contractile properties of the myocardium but had a marked effect on the adrenoreceptor apparatus. The sensitivity of muscles to isoprenaline and phenylephrine increased significantly. The possibility of the appearance of a myocardial own rhythm increased. The results of the study are indicative of the essential role of vasospasm in the development of atherosclerotic myocardial injuries.