[Contractility of the left ventricle in experimental septicemia]

In experimental septicemia a decrease of myocardial contractility could be demonstrated. Periodically a correlation between disturbance of contractility and endotoxinemia exists. Starting point of infection and type of bacteria were of no detectable influence. As far as the disturbance of contractility is concerned one must take into consideration the cardiotoxic effect of endotoxin, the influence of shock mediators, lacticemia as well as the decrease of coronary perfusion pressure.