Effects of AR-L 115 BS on hemodynamics and contractility of the heart in cardiac patients.

During diagnostic heart catheterization and/or coronary angiography 25 patients with coronary heart disease(21 pts), congestive cardiomyopathy (3) and aortic valve incompetence (1) were examined in two studies: 7 patients received 150 mg 2-[(2-methoxy-4-methylsulfinyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol[4,5-b]pyridine (AR-L 115 BS) orally. The hemodynamic parameters were recorded for 1 h. There was a significant increase in heart rate and dp/dt max and a decrease in stroke volume. There was no significant change in cardiac output. Left ventricular diastolic pressure was reduced, but was statistically not significant. 18 patients received 0.7 mg/kg AR-L 115 BS by injection into the pulmonary artery after control ventriculography of the left ventricle. Ventriculography was repeated 10-12 min later. Acute hemodynamic changes comprised a significant increase in heart rate and cardiac output, and a significant decrease in LVEDP, pulmonary artery mean pressure and LV systolic pressure. The ejection fraction was not consistently improved but showed a definite increase in patients with myocardial ischemia at rest and in patients with cardiomyopathy. An acute antianginal effect was observed in two cases and explained by a marked peripheral vasodilation.