The negative inotropic effect of aqueous fraction (AqF) obtained from the acetic extract of Psidium guajava L leaf was investigated on the guinea pig left atrium. Myocardial force was measured isometrically (27 ± 0.1 ºC, 2 Hz). AqF (100 μg/ml) reduced contractility of about 85 ± 9.4 % (n = 4, p < 0.001, Fcalc = 51.70, F(0.01; 4; 21) = 5.09, EC50 = 14.28 ± 3 μg/mL) in a concentration-dependent fashion. This effect was reduced by 20 mM of tetraethylammonium (TEA), increasing EC50 to 50 ± 7 μg/ml (n = 4, p < 0.001, Fcalc = 282.13; F(0.01; 21; 66) = 2.36). AqF (100 μg/ml) shifted to the right the CaCl2 concentration-effect curve, increasing the EC50 from 2170 ± 112 to 2690 ± 132 μM (n = 3, p < 0.001, Fcalc = 220.80 ; F(0.01; 29; 60) = 2.19). L-NAME... |