STUDIES ON THE RESPONSES OF PLASMA RENIN ACTIVITY AND ALDOSTERONE AND CORTISOL LEVELS TO DOPAMINERGIC AND OPIATE STIMULI IN MAN

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Abstract
Evidence for a role of dopamine and endogenous opioids in the control of the secretion of renin and adrenal steroids was sought in man. The effects of L-dopa, L-dopa plus carbidopa, dopamine, domperidone and naloxone were studied on the renin and aldosterone responses to head-up tilt. L-Dopa diminished the rise in renin following tilt and this effect of L-dopa was abolished by carbidopa. Aldosterone was not significantly affected by any compounds. Cortisol secretion was stimulated by carbidopa plus L-dopa more than L-dopa alone, and was also increased by both dopamine and naloxone. The significance of these findings is discussed.