[Dopamine effects on the pulmonary circulation of innervated and autotransplanted lungs (author's transl)]

The effects of dopamine on the pulmonary vascular resistance were investigated in 7 normal and 9 autotransplanted canine lungs during perfusion in situ. Dopamine (up to 13,5 gamma/kg BW, rapid injection) acts as a vasoconstrictor by alpha-receptor stimulation. Vasodilative effects could not be registered neither by very small amounts of dopamine nor during alpha-blockade with phentolamine. No difference could be detected between the vascular reactions of normal and autotransplanted lungs.