Effect of exogenous ATP on cardiac activity in rats

In vivo effects of exogenous ATP on cardiac activity were studied on adult rats. Intravenous administration of ATP produced a positive chronotropic effect, but did not affect the stroke volume. This was due to activation of type II purine receptors, rather than due to the influence of ATP hydrolysis products, since P1 receptor agonist adenosine was ineffective. The blockade of beta-adrenoceptors and muscarinic receptors did not modify the positive chronotropic effect of ATP, which indicated that this action was not realized via sympathetic or parasympathetic nerves. ATP applied against the background of atropine blockade produced a 4-fold increase in the variability of heart rate typical of activation of the parasympathetic myocardial regulation.