Evidence for elevated levels of dopamine in the rabbit pulmonary and carotid artery.
Catecholamine levels in six arteries, two aortae, and atria of rabbits were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with electrochemical detection. An appreciable concentration of dopamine (DA) was found in the pulmonary and carotid arteries. The content in these two arteries was greater than 200 ng/g, although the mesenteric, celiac, renal, and femoral arteries had less than 55 ng/g. The ratio of DA to norepinephrine (NE) in the pulmonary artery was 32.2 +/- 6.3%, and that in the carotid artery was 9.0 +/- 3.8%. These values are equivalent to the ratio in the canine paw pad and kidney, which are considered to be innervated by a dopaminergic system among peripheral tissues. The presence of DA in the pulmonary artery was confirmed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. In addition, uptake and distribution of [3H]DA and significant enhancement of [3H]DA release by transmural stimulation in the pulmonary artery were observed. These results suggested the possibility of dopaminergic innervation in the rabbit pulmonary and, possibly, carotid arteries.
D000818:Animals; D002339:Carotid Arteries; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004298:Dopamine / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D008297:Male; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000097:blood; D011651:Pulmonary Artery; D011817:Rabbits; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D004298:Dopamine; D009638:Norepinephrine