New positive inotropic agents acting by phosphodiesterase inhibition or alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation.
New knowledge and insight into cardiac muscle physiology and pharmacology together with the development of novel drugs may change the treatment of congestive heart failure in the future. This article reviews two newer inotropic mechanisms currently under investigation. It will place special emphasis on the mechanisms of action of selective cardiac phosphodiesterase inhibition and of alpha 1-adrenoceptor mediated stimulation of the phosphoinositide pathway.
von der Leyen
H
H
Abteilung Allgemeine Pharmakologie, Universitäts-Krankenhaus Eppendorf, Universität Hamburg, FRG.
Schmitz
W
W
Scholz
H
H
Scholz
J
J
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000502:physiology; D009200:Myocardial Contraction; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism*; D010716:Phosphatidylinositols / Q000378:metabolism; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D010716:Phosphatidylinositols; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D002118:Calcium