BACKGROUND: This study analyzes in the experimental model of isolated human 
atrial myocardium whether the myocardial contractile depression occurring after 
high-dose/long-term catecholamine exposure (as typically occurring in brain-dead 
organ donors) can be reversed by thyroid hormone administration.
METHODS: Isolated trabeculae were prepared from atrial myocardium from patients 
undergoing coronary artery bypass (n = 15). Initial measurements of isometric 
force were carried out (measurement conditions of 37 degrees C, Krebs Henseleit 
solution, supramaximal electrical stimulation, 1 Hz, at optimal length). Then 
the trabeculae were incubated for 6 hours at 26 degrees C in a Krebs Henseleit 
solution containing epinephrine 10(-7) mol/L and the fluorescent dye FURA-2/AM 
for calcium measurements. At the end of the incubation period, isometric force, 
isotonic shortening, and intracellular calcium transient (FURA-2 "ratio method") 
were measured. After 30 minutes administration of triiodothyronine (5 x 10(-9) 
mol/L), the measurements were repeated. Control groups included 6 hours 
incubation in 4 degrees C Krebs Henseleit solution (n = 5); 6 hours incubation 
in 26 degrees C FURA-2/AM (n = 5); and 6 hours incubation in epinephrine 10(-7) 
mol/L (n = 5).
RESULTS: After 6 hours catecholamine exposure isometric force declined 
significantly to 56.8% (p < .0001) and isotonic shortening to 54% of its initial 
value (p < .01). Administration of triiodothyronine was associated with a 
significant recovery of the isotonic shortening amplitude (p < .005), of 
isometric force development (p < .01), an increased velocity of force 
development (p < .0001), and of diastolic force decay (p < .005). At the same 
time the shape of the intracellular calcium transient became smaller as a result 
of an accelerated diastolic decay. The amplitude of the calcium transient 
remained unaltered, whereas the calcium time integral was reduced (p < .05).
CONCLUSION: In the model of isolated human myocardium, experimental depression 
of the contractile performance resulting from long-term catecholamine exposure 
could be reversed by a 30-minute triiodothyronine incubation. The experimental 
data showing increased force amplitudes at unaltered amplitudes of the 
intracellular calcium transient and an even-reduced calcium time integral 
provide strong evidence for a sensitization of the contractile apparatus for 
calcium by triiodothyronine. The data provide additional knowledge to explain 
the successful administration of triiodothyronine in donor heart management.