Effect of practolol on left ventricular dimensions during coronary occlusion.

Beta adrenergic blockade has been suggested to improve the myocardial oxygen balance during ischemic conditions. This investigation was undertaken to examine the effects of practolol, a relatively cardiospecific beta adrenergic blocking agent, on regional myocardial dimensions and shortening during acute coronary arterial occlusion in dogs. Local myocardial dimensions were measured ultrasonically in ischemic and nonischemic regions of the left ventricle. Myocardial dilatation and marked reduction in systolic shortening occurred in ischemic regions after occlusion, whereas nonischemic regions were only moderately dilated. Administration of 10 to 20 mg of practolol exerted different effects in the two ventricular regions; myocardial dilatation was reduced and the systolic shortening increased by practolol in ischemic regions, whereas further dilatation and diminished shortening occurred in nonischemic control regions. Similar results were obtained when heart rate was kept constant by atrial pacing during beta adrenergic blockade. Thus, practolol improved the function in ischemic ventricular regions, and restored ventricular stroke volume to preocclusion levels, probably as a result of improved myocardial oxygen balance.