Comparison of the haemodynamic effects of the selective bradycardic agent UL-FS 49, with those of propranolol during treadmill exercise in dogs.

1. To clarify whether the bradycardic agent UL-FS 49 exhibits a positive inotropic effect even in the absence of improvement in regional myocardial function of an underperfused myocardial area, this study was undertaken in dogs with unimpaired coronary flow. 2. We also investigated the haemodynamic and functional effects of the negative chronotropic and inotropic beta-adrenoceptor blocker propranolol. 3. UL-FS 49 did not depress total or regional myocardial performance. Moreover, an increase in positive left ventricular dp/dt max at rest suggests a positive inotropic effect of UL-FS 49. 4. Propranolol, in contrast to UL-FS 49, led to a marked reduction in positive dp/dt max, stroke volume and systolic wall thickening at rest and during exercise. Additionally, propranolol decreased the exercise values of cardiac output, left ventricular work and left ventricular power to a far greater extent than UL-FS 49. 5. In contrast to propranolol, the selective bradycardic agent UL-FS 49 did not decrease total or regional ventricular performance and caused less reduction in cardiodynamic parameters during exercise. 6. These results suggest that patients with moderate coronary insufficiency or patients with coronary vessel disease and mild left ventricular failure may attain a higher exercise limit under selective bradycardia with UL-FS 49 in comparison to that possible with a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, such as propranolol.