Dopaminergic receptors: a new antihypertensive mechanism.

The neutrotransmitter dopamine, precursor of noradrenaline, induces a variety of cardiovascular and renal physiological responses, including an increase in myocardial contractility and cardiac output without changes in heart rate, passive and active vasodilatation, diuresis and natriuresis. These responses result from its interaction with the dopamine receptors D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5. In addition, recent findings suggest the existence of D6 and D7 receptors. In some types of hypertension dopamine is known to influence the control of arterial pressure by influencing the central and peripheral nervous system and target organs such as the kidneys and adrenal glands. Since dopamine and its derivatives have been shown to have antihypertensive effects, it is important to review the physiological and pharmacological aspects of dopamine and its receptors, and the clinical uses that they could have in the therapy of arterial hypertension.