Effects of respiratory and metabolic acidosis (pH approximately 6.8) on myocardial function were studied in the newborn and adult rabbits. Mechanical function was studied in the isolated arterially perfused heart preparation. Acidosis was induced either by increase of the perfusate PCO2 or by decrease of the bicarbonate content. During respiratory acidosis, developed tension (DT) decreased to 43 +/- 3% of control (n = 18) in the adult and this depression was significantly greater than in the newborn (DT = 92 +/- 4%, n = 6). Depression of DT by respiratory acidosis was observed even at high extracellular Ca. During metabolic acidosis, mechanical function decreased gradually and DT at 30 min into acidosis in the adult was 78 +/- 3% of control (n = 6). This depression of DT in the adult was significantly greater than in the newborn (DT at 30 min = 96 +/- 1% of control, n = 6). Statistical analysis using paired t test showed that respiratory acidosis, but not metabolic acidosis, caused significant negative inotropism in the newborn. Myofibrils were isolated and the ATPase was measured at 10(-8) to 10(-4) M Ca and at pH of 7.1 (control), 6.5, and 6.0. Reducing pH depressed the ATPase activity similarly in the newborn and adult. Intracellular buffer capacity was determined by titrating muscle homogenate with HCI. Although the initial pH was not different, addition of HCl to the homogenate caused less decrease in pH in the newborn. These data indicate that contractile function in the newborn heart is more resistant to acidosis and this may be due partly to the greater intracellular buffer capacity.