Fig. 1. (A ) Force of contraction under the influence of xenon (n = 14), isoflurane (n = 22), or control (n = 13). The force of contraction is expressed in percent of baseline values (i.e. , buffer gassed with 100% oxygen, no anesthetics). After 20 min, 1.2% isoflurane shows a significant negative inotropic effect on isolated ventricular muscle bundles. In contrast, xenon does not change the contractile force. ***P < 0.001 versus baseline values. (B ) Time to peak tension (TPT) and time to 90% relaxation (TR90) in the presence of xenon, isoflurane, or control. Isoflurane leads to a slightly shorter contraction in comparison to xenon but not in comparison to control muscles. *P < 0.05.
