(A) and (E) are representative superimposed traces of sarcomere shortening after ghrelin (G) or hexarelin (H) pre-treatment (pre) and post-treatment (post). Both hexarelin and ghrelin improved the reduction in sarcomere shortening (B and F), but not the prolonged time-to-peak shortening (C and G). The time-to-peak shortening was further prolonged in G post- and H pre-treatment groups. The time for relaxation (D and H) was shortened in G post-, H pre- and post-treatment groups. n = 99, 84, 84, 95, 106 and 100 cells/3 mice in control, ischemia, G pre, G post, H pre and H post groups, respectively. Data are shown as means ± S.E.M. and analyzed by One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test. *P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01, *** P < 0.001 vs ischemic group.