FIGURE 4.

Influence of direct administration of α-MSH addition to isolated working heart functions (protocol III). Isolated working hearts excised from groups of ketamine-xylazine–anesthetized rats were treated with 1.0 mL 1 μmol/L α-MSH (MSH+) directly into the Langendorff system in which the hearts were mounted. Baseline values are designated as MSH−. Administration of α-MSH solutions to hearts was accomplished through the aortic cannula of the apparatus. Results are shown as average values from each group of rats ± SEM of AF [mL/min, (A)]; CF [mL/min, (B)]; , mL/min, (C)]; the ratio of CF to CO in % [CF/CO, %, (D)]; HR [bpm, (E)]; and SV [mL, (F)]. *P < 0.05, significant differences between groups as shown.