Right ventricular mechanical and energetic properties

To formulate right ventricular (RV) mechanical and energetic properties in terms of the time-varying elastance model, Emax and the systolic pressure-volume area (PVA) of RV were measured in the excised cross-circulated heart preparation, while the left ventricle was beating unloaded. Emax of RV was constant, and independent of the RV volume, the stroke volume, the ejection velocity, and the pre-ejection period in the control contractile state. Enhancement of the contractile state with calcium increased Emax, and reduction of the contractile state with propranolol decreased Emax. The whole heart oxygen consumption (Vo2) was linearly regressed on PVA of RV, in both the control and the calcium-enhanced contractile state. Calcium elevated the regression line in a parallel manner. The slope of the regression line was (1.85 +/- 0.19) x 10(-5) ml O2/mmHg ml in the control state, and (1.57 +/- 0.44) in the calcium state. These slope values were similar to those in left ventricle (LV). We therefore conclude that mechanical and energetic properties of RV are similar to those of LV.