Positive action of propionyl-L-carnitine on mechanical performance of papillary muscle from Syrian hamsters with hereditary dilated cardiomyopathy.

Propionyl-L-carnitine has been shown to exert a beneficial effect on cardiac function in different experimental models of cardiomyopathy in the rat, most likely by improving cardiac metabolism and energy production. We have previously shown that, in a strain of hamsters with hereditary dilated cardiomyopathy (BIO TO.2), the mechanical activity of papillary muscle (length-tension, velocity of shortening, shortening, work and power relationship) is significantly depressed when compared to the same parameter in normal hamsters (BIO F1.B). The repeated oral treatment with propionyl-L-carnitine (60 mg/kg per os for 7 weeks) to BIO TO.2 hamsters had a significant positive inotropic effect, as indicated by an increase in developed tension up to the levels observed in papillary muscles from normal hamsters. This action is most likely associated with metabolic effects similar to those observed in rats.