Bowditch effect

The Bowditch effect (Treppe effect, staircase phenomenon) is one of the mechanisms of homeometric regulation of the heart.

• At a higher heart rate, the sodium-calcium pump is not enough to pump Ca²⁺ ions out of the cell to the original state.
• The concentration of ions gradually increases, which is manifested by positive inotropia (increased force of contraction).

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Related articles

• Homeometric regulation of the heart
• Frank-Starling mechanism

References

• GUYTON, Arthur C. – HALL, John E. Textbook of Medical Physiology. 11. edition. Elsevier, 2006. ISBN 978-0-7216-0240-0.

• KLABUNDE, Richard E. Cardiac Inotropy (Contractility) [online]. The last revision 2007-03-04, [cit. 2011-03-04]. <http://www.cvphysiology.com/Cardiac%20Function/CF010>.