Dopamine, its receptors, and atrial natriuretic peptide

Similarities in some of the physiological effects of dopamine (DA) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) have stimulated suggestions that each may contribute to the actions of the other. While there have been many studies of possible interactions, use of poorly selective receptor antagonists, inappropriate doses, different animal species and various forms of ANP has led to confusing and conflicting results. Our review of the data concludes that it is unlikely that either dopamine generation or release, or DA receptor activation (with the possible exception of its involvement in the rat), are essential to the expression of the effects of ANP. DA actions do not depend on the release of ANP while there are no studies of DA activating ANP receptors.