General characteristics of the animals
| Control | DEX | |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma glucose (mmol/l) | 8.7 ± 0.2 | 8.7 ± 0.1 |
| Plasma insulin (ng/ml) | 3.2 ± 0.5 | 3.3 ± 0.7 |
| Heart weight (g) | 1.4 ± 0.1 | 1.2 ± 0.001 |
| Heart rate (bpm) | 313 ± 10 | 312 ± 8 |
| Rate pressure product (bpm × mmHg/1,000) | 32 ± 1 | 34 ± 1 |
| Mean arterial pressure (mmHg) | 122 ± 6/93 ± 4 | 125 ± 6/93 ± 6 |
Data are means ± SE for six animals in each group. DEX (1 mg/kg) was administered by intraperitoneal injection into control rats and the animals killed 4 h later. Hearts were perfused in the working mode for 1 h at a preload of 11.5 mmHg and an afterload of 80 mmHg. Mean arterial pressure was measured by an in vivo cannula inserted into the carotid artery.