The effect of dopamine on blood flow in skeletal muscles.

To explain some mechanisms of the peripheral action of dopamine experiments were carried out on anesthetized rabbits in which the blood flow in calf muscles was measured during rest and during evoked twitches, using the method of 133Xe clearance of Lassen et al.; the arterial blood pressure and ECG were simultaneously recorded. Dopamine reduced the blood flow, particularly after a muscular effort.

Dose-related effects of dopamine on microcirculatory blood flow in resting and active state.

We compared the effects of low and high doses of dopamine and dobutamine (a synthetic catecholamine) on blood flow in relaxed or exercising muscles. Experiments were performed on rabbits. Blood flow in the muscles (calf) was estimated with the clearance method of radionuclide 133Xe.