Anrep effect

The Anrep effect is an autoregulation method in which myocardial contractility increases with afterload. It was experimentally determined that increasing afterload caused a proportional linear increase in ventricular inotropy.

This effect is found in denervated heart preparations, such as the Starling Preparation, and as such, represents an intrinsic autoregulation mechanism.

Functionally, the Anrep effect allows the heart to compensate for an increased end-systolic volume present and the decreased stroke volume that occurs when aortic blood pressure increases. Without the Anrep effect, an increase in aortic blood pressure would create a decrease in stroke volume that would compromise circulation to peripheral and visceral tissues.