The past years have witnessed considerable progress in the field of fundamental research in cardiology. Nevertheless, numerous problems and controversial concepts remain. Some of these controversies concern relatively simple issues, e. g. the question of the extent to which a common length-tension or pressure-volume relationship exists independent of type of contraction and preload. The present volume is a compendium of an Erwin Riesch sympo- sium held July 12-13,1985, with the aim of critically analysing generally accepted concepts and theories as well as current trends in cardiology. In common with previous Erwin Riesch symposia, priority was given to issues concerning chronic reactions of the heart, although basic principles of normal myocardial contraction and ventricular dynamics as well as clinical aspects were also discussed. We are greatly indebted to the Erwin Riesch-Stiftung for the invaluable generosity which enabled us to hold the symposium. R.Jacob VII Contents Foreword ...V I. Contractile elementary processes: Cross-bridge theory and excitation-contraction coupling The cross-bridge cycle in muscle.Mechanical, biochemical, and structural studies on single skinned rabbit psoas fibers to characterize cross-bridge kinetics in muscle for correlation with the actomyosin-ATPase in solution Brenner, B ...Calcium sensitivity of myofilaments in cardiac muscle - effect of myosin phosphorylation Morano, I. and J. C. Ruegg...17 Ca-pools involved in the regulation of cardiac contraction under positive inotropy. X-ray microanalysis on rapidly-frozen ventricular muscles of guinea-pig Wendt -Gallitelli, Maria F...25 The contribution of Na channel block to the negative inotropic effect of antiarrhythmic drugs Honerjiiger, P...
