The rupee failed to maintain its initial gains against the American dollar and was quoted lower by one paisa to 56 rupees 45 paise per dollar in late morning trade on fresh dollar demand from banks and importers. The rupee resumed higher at 56 rupees 43 paise per dollar against the last closing level of 56 rupees 44 paise per dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market.However, it failed to maintain its gains as uneven demand and supply for dollars mainly affected the rupee against the dollar.