Effects of hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism on rat myocardium: mechanical and electrical alterations

The mechanical and electrical effects of hypoparathyroidism (Px), hypothyroidism (Tx), and hypothyroidism combined with hypoparathyroidism (TPx) were investigated by comparing simultaneously recorded transmembrane action potentials and isometric and isotonic contractions recorded from the myocardium. Left ventricular papillary muscles from male Wistar rats were studied electrically and mechanically in a muscle bath at 30 degree C, stimulated at 0.1 Hz and external calcium = 2.4 mM. No significant difference was found between control (C), Px, Tx, and TPx preparations with regard to resting tension and developed tension. However, time to peak tension, time to one half relaxation and time to peak shortening were significantly increased in preparations from animals that were Px, Tx, and TPx as compared with age-matched controls. Maximum velocities of shortening (Vs) and relengthening (Vr) at all relative loads studied were significantly depressed in Px preparations when compared with those of C muscles. A greater depression was found in the Tx muscle and still greater depression of these indices was noted in TPx muscles. No significant difference was found between C, Px, Tx, and TPx action potential with regard to resting membrane potential (RMP), action potential amplitude (AMP), overshoot (OS), or maximum rate of rise of the upstroke (Vmax).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)