Effects of AR-L 115 BS (Sulmazol), a new cardiotonic agent, in coronary artery disease: improved ventricular wall motion, increased pump function and abolition of pacing-induced ischemia.

AR-L 115 BS (Sulmazol) is a new noncatechol, nonglycosidic cardiotonic agent. In 17 patients with significant coronary artery disease, the influence of AR-L 115 BS on hemodynamics and regional wall motion was investigated under the following conditions: 1) control, 2) the immediate postpacing period without medication, and 3) the postpacing period under the peak influence of AR-L 115 BS, 2 mg/kg intravenously. During the postpacing phase without medication, all patients developed ischemia (angina, ST segment alterations, increase of mean left ventricular end-diastolic pressure from 13 to 30 mm Hg), left ventricular pump function diminished and overall regional wall motion showed a tendency to decrease (p greater than 0.05). However, during the postpacing period with AR-L 115 BS medication, ischemia was abolished (no angina; mean left ventricular end-diastolic pressure decreased to 13 mm Hg; hemodynamic variables returned to control levels and left ventricular pump function showed some improvement while overall regional wall motion showed tendencies to improve. A comparison of alterations of hemodynamics and regional wall motion during the postpacing phase without medication with those under the influence of AR-L 115 BS shows that overall left ventricular pump function and regional wall motion improved while angina and an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure were prevented. It is concluded that AR-L 115 BS improves left ventricular pump function and regional wall motion in coronary artery disease without inducing ischemia, probably by means of a reduction in extravascular resistance.