Time-Invariant Oxygen Cost of Mechanical Energy in Dog Left Ventricle: Consistency and Inconsistency of Time-Varying Eiastance Model With Myocardial Energetics

We studied whether the oxygen cost of mechanical energy is time-invariant in the excised, cross-circulated canine heart. The total mechanical energy generated by ventricular contraction can be quantified by the total pressure-volume area (PVA) according to the time-varying eiastance model. In this model, mechanical energy generated until a specified time (t) during systole can be quantified by the partial pressure-volume area, PVA(t). PVA(t) was obtained by quickly releasing ventricular volume at a varied time during isovolumic contraction. The quick release aborted further development of mechanical energy. We found that PVA(t) at a constant end-diastolic volume linearly correlated with myocardial oxygen consumption (VOj). This indicates that the oxygen cost of mechanical energy is time-invariant. However, we also found that the slope of the VOj-PVA(t) relation decreased with increasing quick-release speed. This indicates a decrease in Vo2 by the quick release despite the same PVA(t). The time-invariant oxygen cost of mechanical energy is consistent with the time-varying eiastance model of the ventricle, but the decreased VOj with increasing quick-release speed despite the same PVA(t) is not. (Circulation Research 1989;64:764-778)