Effect of Nucleosides on Acute Left Ventricular Failure in the Isolated Dog Heart

The effect of nucleosides on acute left ventricular failure was studied in 15 isolated dog hearts. The unilateral failure was produced by exposure of the isolated left ventricle to elevated aortic pressure. Parameters of left ventricular function used to evaluate the control, failure and nucleoside periods included ventricular stroke work and output, contractility and distensibility. Adenosine and cytidine were found to be negative inotropic substances. Guanosine, inosine, thymidine and uridine were found to he positive inotropic substances, restoring the control level of ventricular function.