title: The use of low doses of dopamine in intensive care medicine.
abstract: The dopamine alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor dose-response curves are investigated in four patients who are exempt from cardiovascular disease. A dose-related increase in CO, HR and SV is observed with infusion rates of up to 3 micrograms kg-1 min-1. With concentrations greater than 10 micrograms kg-1 min-1, both BP and SVR increase. Low-dose dopamine infusion less than 3 micrograms kg-1 min-1 is investigated in ten other patients. With this infusion rate, a selective renal vasodilation is induced without peripheral or cardiac beta-adrenoceptor activation. Dopamine is responsible for an increase in diuresis FENa, GFR and RBF. These properties are indicated in renal failure, and when haemodynamic support is required in cardiac failure, if an infusion rate of up to 10 micrograms kg-1 min-1 is able to reverse cardiac insufficiency.
mesh_terms: D003422:Critical Care; D004298:Dopamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010646:Phentolamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000187:drug effects; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000187:drug effects; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000187:drug effects; D012079:Renal Circulation / Q000187:drug effects; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000187:drug effects; D010130:p-Aminohippuric Acid / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; D011433:Propranolol; D004298:Dopamine; D010130:p-Aminohippuric Acid; D010646:Phentolamine