The negative force-frequency response of normal rat heart was accentuated when the animals were adrenalectomized. Treatment of adrenalectomized animals with dexamethasone restored the normal force-frequency response. 2. Total adrenalectomy increased the sensitivity of rat heart to calcium. 3. Adrenalectomized-dexamethasone-treated hearts were more responsive to epinephrine and ouabain. 4. Total adrenalectomy caused independent myocardial disturbances in calcium handling elements (glucocorticoid effect) and beta receptors (catecholamine effect).