Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate on Canine Left Ventricular Function

Left ventricular performance was evaluated in seven canine right heart bypass preparations during and after the intraauricular administration of sodium bicarbonate (100 ml, 1100 Osm, 60 mEq). Under conditions of constant cardiac input and left ventricular volume, sodium bicarbonate produced mild and brief left ventricular depression, as manifested by a decline of left ventricular dp/dt with simultaneous rise of left ventricular end-diastrolic and left atrial pressures. These findings occurred as aortic impedance fell. Identical results accrued in paced and unpaced prepara tions. The data lends credence to the proposition that a sudden rise in blood pCO 2 produces increased transport of CO2 across the cardiac mem branes with intracellular acidosis. However, the data is also compatible with hyperosmolality induced contractile depression. Possible clinical im plications are discussed.