The new inotropic phosphodiesterase inhibitors.

Compounds with phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity stimulate myocardial contractility by increasing the intracellular cyclic AMP concentrations. They can also increase Ca2+ entry and inhibit Ca2+ sequestration by the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Xanthines produce bronchodilation with associated venous and arteriolar dilation. However, their use is limited by their positive chronotropic effect and other side effects at high plasma levels. New phosphodiesterase inhibitors have been perfected: they are more specific with little chronotropic effect. Increasing the sensitivity of the myofilaments to Ca2+, and other unclear mechanisms may be involved in the inotropic action of these drugs. These new promising active compounds are described and discussed. They augment cardiac performance and improve regional distribution of blood flow and symptoms. However, their influence on the long-term outcome of severe heart failure has yet to be determined.