The hemodynamic effect of AR-L 115 BS, a new positive-inotropic agent, in patients with left ventricular failure

The hemodynamic effects of i.v. administered 2-[(2-methoxy-4-methylsulfinyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (AR-L 115 BS) were studied in 6 patients whose cardiac function was routinely monitored in an intensive care unit. The investigations were performed by Swan-Ganz catheterisation. There was an immediate onset of action with maximum activity at 5--10 min after administration. The duration of action was not longer than 30 min. Cardiac output was significantly increased by 11.5% (p less than 0.05) and the mean pulmonary pressure and pulmonary capillary pressure were reduced by 16% (p less than 0.05) and by 26% (p less than 0.05), respectively. The heart rate was increased by 12% (p less than 0.05) and the mean systemic blood pressure remained nearly unchanged with a slight tendency to fall. No side effects were reported. The results in these patients support the findings in animal studies that AR-L 115 BS has a positive-inotropic and vasodilating action.