Dopaminergic Modulation of Renin Activity and Aldosterone and Prolactin Secretion in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat

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Abstract
The effect of metoclopramide, a dopamine antagonist, and L-dopa on plasma aldosterone (PA), plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma prolactin (PRL) was studied in 8 spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and 8 Wistar-Kyoto normotensive rats (WKY). Basal PRL levels were greater (P < 0.005) in the SHR (24.3 .+-. 1.0 ng/ml) than in the WKY (13.7 .+-. 0.7 ng/ml). Baseline PA in the SHR (49.9 .+-. 7.2 ng/dl), although higher, were not statistically different from those in the WKY (38.0 .+-. 7.0 ng/dl). Basal PRA in the SHR (11.0 .+-. 0.6 ng/ml per h) was not different from that of WKY (11.4 .+-. 0.8 ng/ml per h). Although both groups of rats displayed significant PA, PRA and PRL responses to metoclopramide the responses were greater (P < 0.01) in the SHR. These responses to metoclopramide remained exaggerated even after the rats were pretreated with L-dopa. Administration of L-dopa resulted in similar suppression of all 3 hormones in the SHR and in the WKY. Apparently there is altered dopaminergic modulation of secretion of PA, PRA and PRL in the SHR. Alterations in peripheral and central dopamine control of hormone secretion may play a role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension in the SHR.

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