Response of the renal pacemaker to beta 1-adrenoceptor agonist: difference from the cardiac pacemaker

Electromyographic responses of the canine-pyeloureter to dobutamine, a beta 1-adrenoceptor agonist were investigated in vitro. Dobutamine produced a marked enhancement of potential in the pelvicalyceal (PC-) border, but failed to evoke noticeable responses in the renal pelvis and ureter. Dobutamine, however, made the pacemaker rhythm a little slow. This finding shows that the renal pacemaker is somewhat different form the cardiac pacemaker, pace of which is quickened by dobutamine.