Effects of angiotensin II on myocardial contractility during short-term pressor responses to angiotensin II

Cardiac angiotensin AT1 receptors have been found in several animal species. In-vitro studies performed on cardiac preparations have shown that angiotensin II (ANG II) exerts a positive inotropic effect; however, in-vivo results have allowed no definitive conclusion to be drawn. The reasons behind these controversial results remain unknown, and could originate both from different experimental conditions and from the techniques used to assess myocardial contractility.