The rabbit isolated arterially perfused intestinal segment preparation: a model for vascular dopamine receptors

A simple and inexpensive method for the evaluation in vitro of the effects of compounds on postjunctional vascular dopamine (DA) receptors is described. The rabbit isolated perfused K+-contracted mesenteric and ileal vasculature dilates in response to DA, DA receptor agonists, and papaverine. Responses to DA receptor agonists, but not those to papaverine, can be selectively antagonised by cis-(Z)-flupenthixol (pA2 8.5), yet remain unaffected by sulpiride. Comparisons with other models of vascular DA receptors have been made.