Influence of sodium bicarbonate on myocardial performance

Abstract

Experiments were undertaken in canine preparations to determine the influence of NaHCO3 on myocardial performance and myocardial K+ balance. The constant intracoronary infusion of NaHCO3 resulted in a decrease followed by an increase in myocardial contractility. Termination of the NaHCO3 infusion was accompanied by a further increase in contractility followed by a decrease to the control level of performance. Determination of HCO3" flux suggested that the contractility changes were a result of changes in the intracellular hydrogen ion concentration. The contractility changes were not associated with consisted changes in myocardial potassium.