Inotropy and L-type Ca2+ current, activated by beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptors, are differently controlled by phosphodiesterases 3 and 4 in rat heart.

Background And Purpose: beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenoceptors coexist in rat heart but beta(2)-adrenoceptor-mediated inotropic effects are hardly detectable, possibly due to phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity. We investigated the influence of the PDE3 inhibitor cilostamide (300 nmol x L(-1)) and the PDE4 inhibitor rolipram (1 micromol x L(-1)) on the effects of (-)-catecholamines.

Experimental Approach: Cardiostimulation evoked by (-)-noradrenaline (ICI118551 present) and (-)-adrenaline (CGP20712A present) through beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenoceptors, respectively, was compared on sinoatrial beating rate, left atrial and ventricular contractile force in isolated tissues from Wistar rats.