The effects of ouabain in lambs with depressed myocardial function

The effects of ouabain infusion were tested in six lambs before and after depression of myocardial function by halothane anesthesia. Halothane reduced the left ventricular rate of pressure rise (dp/dt), stroke work, and stroke volume; the ratio of preejection period to left ventricular ejection time rose. Heart rate and systemic vascular resistance did not change. Before halothane, ouabain infusion did not alter the hemodynamic variables measured. After myocardial depression, ouabain infusion returned dp/dt, stroke work, stroke volume and the ratio of preejection period to left ventricular ejection time to control levels. Pacing studies showed a biphasic relationship between left ventricular dp/dt and heart rate. Maximal dp/dt occurred at a heart rate 42 beats/min higher than the resting rate. These studies suggest resting myocardial performance in the healthy, newborn lamb is at near maximal level.