Estimation of catecholamine potencies on the myocardium by means of a new method

A simple method is described for evaluating the potencies of catecholamines on the slow response of myocardium. Catecholamines depolarize guinea pig ventricular muscle cells exposed to the high K+ (27 mmol/l) Tyrode's solution containing 0.2 mmol/l Ba through an increase in slow channel conductance. Higher concentrations of catecholamines in addition induce spontaneous action potentials. This model was used to estimate and compare catecholamine potencies on myocardium. Catecholamine concentrations needed for depolarization alone or for depolarization plus automatic activity were taken as basis for comparison. The order of potency obtained by means of this new method was: l-isoproterenol greater than l-adrenaline greater than or equal to dl-noradrenaline greater than or equal to dobutamine greater than or equal to dopamine. This is similar to the order reported with other methods.