HEMODYNAMIC-EFFECTS OF CALCIUM-SENSITIZING AGENTS

Over the last few years the development of calcium-sensitizing agents has led to a new approach to the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF). These novel inotropic agents act directly on the contractile p rotein systems and correct the reduced responsiveness of the myofilame nts to calcium. The resultant favorable inotropic activity of this new class of cardiotonic agents may represent an important pharmacologic approach to the future treatment of acute and chronic CHF. This brief review summarizes the cardiotonic effects of calcium sensitizers, with particular emphasis on the hemodynamic actions of these drugs in vari ous in vitro and in vivo heart preparations. We also attempt to draw c onclusions for the therapeutic exploitation of these agents and deline ate their possible role in the therapy of CHF.