Modulation of intracellular Na+ activity and cardiac force by norepinephrine and Ca2+

The actions of norepinephrine and high calcium on the electrical, mechanical, and intracellular sodium ion activities were studied in electrically driven canine cardiac Purkinje fibers under different conditions. It was found that norepinephrine and high calcium decrease intracellular sodium ion activity (aiNa). The exposure to either agent is followed by a transient decline of force that correlates with the lower aiNa. Inhibition of the Na+ -K+ pump by strophanthidin reduces or abolishes the decrease in aiNa by norepinephrine but not that by high calcium. It is concluded that norepinephrine and high calcium both decrease aiNa and thereby the contractile force but (unlike high calcium) norepinephrine acts through the stimulation of the Na+ -K+ pump.