The change of the isotope effect is studied in the framework of the mo
del based on the assumptions of the dominant role of extended saddle-p
oint singularities in the electron spectrum and a long-range phonon-me
diated interaction between electrons (E-L model). The idea is that if
the distance between the Fermi energy and the saddle point is less tha
n the Debye energy, this distance defines the effective energy scale,
and hence there is no isotope effect, whereas in the opposite case the
Debye energy defines the cut off, and the usual isotope effect is res
tored. The cross-over between these regimes is studied, A comparison w
ith existing experimental data shows that the concept reflects correct
ly the observed trends.