Dopamine and lipolysis in adipose tissue of the sheep

An inguinal fat pad preparation suitable for blood flow and lipolysis studies in the sheep is described. Infusion of dopamine at the rate of 0.8 microgram/min for 40 min increased blood plasma flow through the preparation, and increased the output of glycerol in its venous effluent suggesting fat mobilization. Infusion at the rate of 0.05 microgram/min had no detectable effect, and the responses to infusions at 15 micrograms/min were irregular. Dopamine, which is known to be present in sheep adipose tissue, may have a role in the regulation of blood flow and lipolysis.