[Recent progress in dopaminergic control of aldosterone secretion]

The role of dopamine on the aldosterone secretion-regulation mechanism has been confirmed by the identification of dopaminergic receptors on adrenal glomerulosa cells. Though the renin-angiotensin system plays an important primary role in the regulation of aldosterone secretion it has recently been suggested that dopamine has direct inhibitory influence on aldosterone release. Dopamine has no effect on basal plasma aldosterone levels, while it inhibits the aldosterone response in a sodium-depleted state or upright posture. Furthermore, in vitro studies have shown that dopamine modulates the activity of zona glomerulosa enzymes regulating the biosynthesis of aldosterone. The use of dopamine agonist and antagonist substances has shown that dopamine inhibits aldosterone biosynthesis by activating DA2 dopaminergic receptors identified in adrenal glomerulosa cells.