Urine dopamine in starving obese subjects

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Renal Physiology
• Metabolic Research

Background:

• Therapeutic starvation is used for weight management.
• Hormonal and electrolyte changes during starvation are not fully understood.
• The role of dopamine in sodium balance during fasting requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of therapeutic starvation on sodium, potassium, and dopamine excretion.
• To measure plasma renin and aldosterone levels during starvation.
• To determine dopamine's role in starvation-induced natriuresis.

Main Methods:

• Seven obese female subjects participated in a therapeutic starvation study.
• Urinary excretion of sodium, potassium, and dopamine was measured.
• Plasma renin activity and aldosterone levels were assessed.

Main Results:

• Sodium excretion increased, peaking on day 2 of starvation.
• Urinary dopamine levels rose significantly by day 4 and remained elevated.
• Plasma renin activity and aldosterone levels were higher between days 4-6.

Conclusions:

• Dopamine excretion increases during starvation.
• Elevated renin and aldosterone suggest activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
• Findings indicate dopamine may not significantly contribute to natriuresis during therapeutic starvation.