Biochem/physiol Actions
Levosimendan is a calcium sensitiser. The compound increases the sensitivity of the heart to calcium, thus increasing cardiac contractility without a rise in intracellular calcium. Levosimendan binds to cardiac troponin C in a calcium-dependent manner and stabilizes troponin C. This is followed by actin-myosin cross-bridges, without increasing myocardial consumption of ATP. Additionally the compound acts as vasodilator by opening an ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Levosimendan is a drug used for treatment of congestive heart failure. Also it can be used to treat calcium channel blocker overdose.