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Figure 2 Effect of CB₁ Antagonists on DOX-Induced Depression of Load-Independent Indexes of Cardiac Contractility

(A) Representative pressure–volume (P–V) loops obtained with a P–V conductance catheter system at different preloads after vena cava occlusion, showing differences in the end-systolic P–V relation (ESPVR) and between mice pretreated with vehicle, rimonabant, or AM281 and treated with vehicle or DOX. The less steep ESPVR in DOX-treated mice indicates decreased contractile function, which was improved by CB₁ antagonists. (B) Effects of CB₁ antagonists on DOX-induced depression of load-independent indexes of cardiac contractility. Results are mean ± standard error of the mean of 9 to 18 experiments in each group. *p < 0.05 versus vehicle; #p < 0.05 versus DOX. EDV = end-diastolic volume relation; ESPVR or Emax = end-systolic pressure–volume relation; PRSW = preload-recruitable stroke work; other abbreviations as in Figure 1.