Interleukin-1 modulates myocardial contraction via dexamethasone sensitive production of nitric oxide

Abstract

IL-1 activates a dexamethasone sensitive myocardial L-arginine-NO pathway which raises myocardial cyclic GMP and induces marked twitch abbreviation. These effects could potentially lead to cardiac depression by limiting systolic ejection, and may be relevant in conditions where IL-1 levels are increased.