Anrep Effect

Under some experimental conditions, it has been observed that an increase in afterload causes an increase in ventricular inotropy. This is called the Anrep effect. This phenomenon is observed in denervated hearts as well as in intact hearts; therefore, it represents an intrinsic change in inotropy. The actual mechanism, however, is unknown. The functional significance of the Anrep effect is that the increased inotropy partially compensates for the increased end-systolic volume and decreased stroke volume caused by an increase in afterload. Without this mechanism, increases in afterload would cause greater reductions in stroke volume than what is normally observed.

Revised 04/06/07