Effect of rate changes on strength and time course of contraction of papillary muscle

The influence of 14 frequencies of contraction (between 0.2 and 300 beats/min) on the development of tension and on the time course of contraction was determined in 40 isometrically contracting, isolated cat papillary muscles at 38 C. Only cylindrical muscles with radius <0.43 mm were included, since this was found to be the maximum thickness compatible with normal development of tension at high frequencies. Increases in frequency were associated over the entire range with decreases in the time to peak tension (total 40%) and in the relaxation time (total 49%), and increases in the maximum rate of development of tension (total 560%) and in the peak tension developed (total 340%). These findings indicate that changes in heart rate alter both the degree of activation of the contractile elements and the duration of their active state. It is concluded that the opposing effect of both of these changes must be considered in any analysis of the influence of alterations in rate or rhythm of the heart on the strength of contraction of mammalian ventricular muscle.