Isometric contractile properties of diaphragm strips from alcoholic rats

Chronic ethanol consumption alters the structure and function of human respiratory muscle. We have examined its effect on the active and passive mechanical properties of rat diaphragm strips in vitro. We conditioned eight rats using a liquid diet containing ethanol as 36% of calories. Eight control rats were pair-fed an isocaloric, ethanol-free liquid diet. Rats were killed after 23 wk. Two strips from the left hemidiaphragm were suspended in Krebs-Ringers solution at 25 degrees C, equilibrated with 5% CO2-95% O2. Isometric stresses were calculated from force transducer measurements. Strips were stimulated directly at supramaximal voltage. Twitch stress (Pt), measured at optimal length (Lo), was greater in ethanol-conditioned strips: 5.1 vs. 3.8 N/cm2. Times to peak Pt and twitch half-relaxation times were equal. Tetanic stress at Lo (Po) was also greater after ethanol conditioning: 17.2 vs. 12.8 N/cm2. Pt/Po ratios were equal. Expressed as %Po, tetanic stress-stimulation frequency curves and tetanic stress-length curves were identical. Ethanol-conditioned strips were marginally less compliant when passively stretched to lengths between Lo and 130% Lo. We postulate that ethanol may have increased active stress development by reducing intracellular free water.