Prolonged Mechanical Unloading Reduces Myofilament Sensitivity to Calcium and Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Uptake Leading to Contractile Dysfunction

Prolonged myocardial unloading causes depressed contractility due to reduced SR Ca2+ uptake and myofilament sensitivity to Ca2+. These effects may be relevant with regard to myocardial performance after prolonged LVAD support.