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Published on: October 14, 2016
Norepinephrine-induced left ventricular dysfunction in anesthetized and conscious, sedated dogs
A Movahed1, W C Reeves, P M Mehta
1Department of Internal Medicine, East Carolina University School of Medicine, Greenville, NC 27838-4354.
International Journal of Cardiology
|June 1, 1994
Summary
High-dose norepinephrine infusion significantly impairs left ventricular function, causing dilation and reduced ejection fraction in dogs. However, cardiac function fully recovers within 48 hours, indicating reversible norepinephrine cardiotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Norepinephrine is a critical vasopressor used in critical care.
- High doses may pose risks to cardiac function.
- Understanding norepinephrine's effects on the left ventricle is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of high-dose norepinephrine infusion on left ventricular (LV) function.
- To assess cardiac recovery following norepinephrine administration.
- To investigate potential cardiotoxicity associated with norepinephrine.
Main Methods:
- Studies conducted in anesthetized and conscious dogs.
- Norepinephrine infusion at high doses (4-5 µg/kg/min) for 90 minutes.
- Monitoring of arterial pressure, ECG, echocardiography, and radionuclide angiography.
- Histological examination for cardiac tissue damage.
Main Results:
- Dose-dependent reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening.
- Increased LV systolic and diastolic dimensions, indicating dilation.
- Elevated LV end-systolic wall stress and reduced contractility.
- Histology revealed mild contraction band necrosis and perivascular fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- High-dose norepinephrine causes significant, yet reversible, left ventricular dysfunction and dilation.
- Norepinephrine cardiotoxicity is characterized by reduced contractility and mild histological changes.
- Complete functional recovery occurred within 48 hours in chronic studies.
