Role of endogenous dopamine in the natriuresis accompanying various sodium challenges

The contribution of endogenous dopamine (DA) to the natriuresis accompanying various sodium challenges is reviewed. Data are presented suggesting that DA participates in the control of sodium excretion produced by a normal sodium diet, increments in sodium consumption, and an acute infusion of isoosmotic saline. In contrast, the natriuresis accompanying a high sodium diet in the dog and extracellular fluid volume expansion with hypoosmotic saline or a very large volume of isoosmotic saline is independent of DA activity. Thus, the evidence suggests that DA contributes to the natriuresis produced by some, but not all, forms of sodium loading.