Dopamine

Abstract

An account is presented of the chemistry of dopamine and of animal experimental and clinical studies which form the basis for employment of the preparation as a new sympathicomimetic. Similarly, the indications for treatment with dopamine, the side-effects which may occur in this connection and a practically useful therapeutic procedure are presented. On parenteral administration of dopamine, both the beta1-adrenergic receptors and the specific dopaminergic receptors in the heart, kidneys and probably also the splanchic vessels are stimulated. The contractility of the heart increases and the coronary vessels dilate. The positive chronotropic effect is limited. In the kidneys, the glomerular filtration rate, inulinclearance and sodium excretion result in increased diuresis. The peripheral circulation is diverted from the skin and muscular organs to the kidneys inter alii, so that no increase or only slight increase in the total peripheral resistence occurs. Dopamine is thus emplyable in conditions dominated by reduced cardiac minute volume and failing diuresis.