Fig. 2. (A ) Ca²⁺release–induced peak force transients. The relative force induced by 3.5 mm desflurane is normalized to maximal force obtained in the presence of 24.0 μm Ca²⁺. *Significant difference (P < 0.05) in comparison with all other groups. (B ) Calculated peak Ca²⁺transients derived from force transients based on the [Ca²⁺]–force relation. **Significant difference (P < 0.05) when compared with desflurane 0.6 and 30 mm caffeine. (C ) EC⁵⁰values of the [Ca²⁺]–force relation (corresponding to the Ca²⁺concentration at half-maximal force). ***Significant difference (P < 0.05) when compared with 3.5 mm desflurane and 30 mm caffeine. Results are mean ± SD, n = 5–8.