Effect of ibopamine on diuresis in conscious rats in normal and experimentally altered conditions

Diuretic effect of orally administered ibopamine (SB-7505), the 3,4-diisobutyryl ester of N-methyldopamine, was studied in normally hydrated and in experimentally oliguric rats. In normal rats ibopamine proved to be active in increasing urine volume as well as sodium and chlorine excretion. The diuretic effect set in rapidly and reached the maximum in the first 2 h after treatment; repeated daily treatment constantly increased urine and ions excretion. Ibopamine proved to be more active in oliguric than in normal rats; when administered orally in combination with furosemide it maintained its diuretic effect, which was additional to that of furosemide. Possible ibopamine interaction with antidiuretic hormone and sodium reabsorption as well as its use also in combination with diuretic agents in renal failure are discussed.