Myocardial segment velocity at a low load: time, length, and calcium dependence.

The length and time dependence of shortening velocity (VL) at a very light load (1 mN) was determined for central segments of ferret papillary muscle at 27 degrees C. A recently developed technique that measures the cross-sectional area of the chosen segment was used to assess segment length. Segment length (SL) or force could be used as a feedback control signal. VL was determined by releasing the muscle to a 1-mN load (less than or equal to 3% maximum force) at various times during a segment isometric twitch. Segment isometric twitches were typically performed at 95-98% SLmax, SLmax being the longest segment length attainable in the preparation. VL, as a function of time and SL, was determined from SL shortening during the load clamp. Muscle responses were sampled, stored, and analyzed with an on-line digital computer. The data indicate that 1) at a given SL, VL declines from 20 to 50% of its peak value by the time of peak force production, 2) VL declines linearly with SL below 90% SLmax in 1.125, 2.25, and 4.5 mM extracellular Ca2+, 3) VL exhibits a dependence on extracellular Ca2+, having peak values at 90% SLmax of 3.32 +/- 0.33, 2.66 +/- 0.17, and 1.89 +/- 0.17 SL/s in 4.5, 2.25, and 1.125 mM extracellular Ca2+, respectively.