Dopamine receptors of DA-1 and DA-2 subtypes are localized in various regions within the kidney including the renal vasculature (DA-1) as well as sympathetic nerve terminals innervating the renal blood vessels (DA-2). More recent studies using receptor-ligand binding and receptor autoradiography have shown that DA-1 receptors are localized at both the luminal and basolateral membranes at the level of the proximal tubules. Activation of these DA-1 receptors by dopamine and by selective DA-1 receptor agonists results in natriuresis and diuresis. The cellular signaling mechanisms responsible for this response appear to be DA-1 receptor-induced activation of adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C, which via the generation of various intracellular messenger systems cause inhibition of Na(+)-H+ antiport (luminal) and Na+, K(+)-ATPase (basolateral), respectively. Both of these events consequently inhibit sodium reabsorption leading to natriuresis and diuresis. It is also known that dopamine can be synthesized wit...