PO2-modulated performance of cardiac muscle

An inverse linear relationship between normalized tension development (T/mm2) and muscle cross-sectional area (range 0.32-1.68 mm2) is seen in fully oxygenated rat papillary and columnar carnease muscles studied while contracting isometrically at the apex of the length-tension curve. The data demonstrate progressively poorer performance with thicker preparations, presumatic blockade) is added to fully oxygenated muscle preparations, no significant change in performance is seen even with the thickest preparations, suggesting that no portion of mechanical activity is supported by anaerobic glycolysis. With progressive lowering of the muscle bath PO2, the relative contributions of aerobic and glycolytic activity to mechanical performance are demonstrated. Viewed from the Hill model of oxygen and lactic acid distribution in a cylindrical section of muscle, the data that suggest the presence of a hypoxic core appear contrary to the evidence that indicates the absence of tension supported by glycolytic activity. A possible solution to this apparent contradiction is presented. The findings of these experiments emphasize limitations of isolated muscle studies and help define the relationship between oxygenation and mechanical activity of cardiac muscle.