Figure 3. Contractile Function.

The ESPVR was measured in intact mice 5 weeks after activation of AC_VI expression in animals with severe CHF. Increased cardiac AC_VI expression was associated with substantial increases in LV contractility as reflected in increased slope of the ESPVR. Cardiac loops, generated by altering loading conditions of the LV, are shown with the slope of the end-systolic pressure-volume point depicted. The graph below summarizes data from all animals. Numbers in bars denote animals studied. Bars = mean values; error bars = 1 SE; number above bars = probability value (Student unpaired t test, 2-tailed). CHF = congestive heart failure; ESPVR = end-systolic pressure-volume relationship; other abbreviations as in Figure 2.