Pflügers Archiv : European journal of physiology
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In critically ill patients, ventilator-induced diaphragm muscle fibre dysfunction (VIDD) contributes to weaning problems, increasing hospitalisation time and related costs. VIDD pathophysiology remains partially unknown, especially the characterisation of the contractile dysfunction. In the present study, it was hypothesised that Ca(2+) activation is affected during VIDD. ⋯ EMD 57033 (30 microM) improved the Ca(2+) sensitivity of force and stiffness in fibres from animals that were mechanically ventilated for 5 days as well as in sham-operated piglets. Thus, EMD 57033 partly restored the Ca(2+) activation of cells, reducing VIDD. This finding offers a strong basis for evaluating the effect of Ca(2+) sensitisers on diaphragm function in vivo.