Antihypertensive effects of mesulergine: further evidence for a peripheral site of action of dopamine agonists.

The cardiovascular effects of mesulergine were studied in anesthetized dogs. Intravenous (IV) administration (0.3 mg/kg) significantly decreased blood pressure in neurogenic hypertensive dogs without any change in heart rate. This effect was completely antagonized by IV administration of domperidone (0.5 mg/kg). Intracisternal administration of mesulergine (0.03, 0.3 and 3 mg/kg) did not produce any change in blood pressure. However, with the highest dose we observed a significant rise in heart rate during the first 2 min (which was probably nonspecific). These results suggest that mesulergine lowers blood pressure in sinoaortic-denervated dogs by means of a peripheral mechanism probably involving DA2 receptors. The findings confirm the potential interest of dopamine-receptor agonists as future antihypertensive agents.