Time to dP/dtmax reflects both inotropic and chronotropic properties of cardiac contraction: a conscious dog study.

This study supports a mathematical model and previous findings indicating that td, the time from onset of contraction to dP/dtmax, reflects the time-dependent aspects of contraction and hence decreases with increasing contractility. Combined data from 20 conscious instrumented dogs create a highly significant inverse and linear td-HR (heart rate) relation. Both norepinephrine and isoproterenol decreased td values, but norepinephrine, in contrast to isoproterenol, decreased the heart rate by a reflex response.