Abstract: | Clearance studies were made to determine the influence of intravenous infusions of dopamine (between 2.5 and 3.5 mug.kg.-1min.-1) on renal function and on the adenyl cyclase phosphodiesterase system in eleven patients with chronic renal disease. Glomerular filtration rate (+ 19%), effective renal plasma flow )+ 29%), sodium (+ 199%) and potassium (+ 40%) clearances were significantly increased. These effects were associated with a stimulation of the adenyl cyclase phosphodiesterase system demonstrated by an increase of cyclic adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate in plasma and urine. The results suggest that dopamine probably affects renal function by activating the adenyl cyclase phosphodiesterase system. |