Indices of myocardial oxygen consumption for isotonic contraction.

To investigate the model-independent mechanical determinants of energy expenditure, a respirometer was constructed to study isolated feline papillary muscles. Mechanical parameters recorded were the distance of shortening (deltaL), peak velocity of shortening (Vp), mean velocity of shortening (V), tension-time index (TTI), afterload (P), and the integral of the contraction portion of the phase plane trajectory of velocity and length (integral of VdL). Oxygen consumption (Vo2) during 15-min isotonic contraction periods was monitored with a polarographic electrode. Vp, V, and delta L were inversely related to Vo2 in a curvilinear manner. P and TTI were directly related to Vo2 in a curvilinear fashion. Integral of VdL was inversely related to Vo2 in a linear manner. In several experiments the contractile state of the muscles was augmented by addition of norepinephrine (7 X 10(-8) M). The relationship between integral of VdL and Vo2 was shifted above and parallel to that for the control muscles. These experiments indicate that the index integral of VdL is linearly related to the oxygen consumed in isotonic contraction of isolated mammalian ventricular myocardium at a given level of contractile state.