Paradoxical effects of calcium-glucagon interaction on cardiac muscle contractility of isolated guinea pig atria.

The interrelationships of calcium and glucagon, and calcium and Isuprel were investigated in spontaneous and paced isolated guinea pig atria. Positive force responses with glucagon were in part both frequency and [Ca+2]o-dependent. Negative inotropic responses were observed with high concentrations of glucagon (5.0 microgram/ml) and calcium (10.0 mM). Persistence of a positive inotropic response of the atria to Isuprel (1.0 microgram/ml) and high [Ca+2]o (10 mM) was seen. Catecholamines stimulate c-AMP production in guinea pig atria while glucagon may not. The negative inotropism produced via calcium-glucagon interaction is consistent with the known inhibitory action of high calcium concentration on adenylyl cyclase and stimulation of phosphodiesterase. It is hypothesized that since glucagon does not activate c-AMP in this tissue then the combined action of high calcium and glucagon leads to degeneration of contractility; with Isuprel and high calcium, atrial contractility is maintained via Isuprel's c-AMP activation.