ABSTRACT
We have studied the effect of increased contraction frequency (from 0.2 to 1.5 Hz) on developed tension (delta T) in thin papillary muscles of eu- and hyperthyroid rats. The results show that while increasing the contraction frequency, the delta T of euthyroid papillary muscles decreased at lower frequencies than in hyperthyroid group. Also, at the contraction frequencies above 1.0 Hz the absolute and relative levels of delta T of hyperthyroid myocardium were less decreased than in euthyroid preparations. In conclusion, the myocardium of hyperthyroid rat is characterized by a decreased sensitivity to negative inotropic effect of enhanced contraction frequency. In is probably due to the acceleration of the processes of intracellular Ca2+ recycling during diastole under the influence of hyperthyroidism.