INFLUENCE OF DOPAMINE ON LIVER DYNAMICS IN HEMORRHAGIC-SHOCK

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 4  (4) , 305-315
Abstract
The effect of dopamine on [cat] arterial blood pressure, liver blood flow, cathepsin D activity and free amino N concentration in hemorrhagic shock was examined. Dopamine at a dose of 4 .mu.g/kg per min increased both mean arterial blood pressure and liver blood flow in postoligemic shock, but failed to prevent the marked increases in circulating cathepsin D and free amino N. Dopamine infusion resulted in an increasd plasma cathepsin D activity in shock. This increased accumulation of lysosomal marker enzyme probably results from increased washout of the enzyme from the splanchnic or hepatic vascular bed in response to increased blood flow in these areas rather than from a direct effect of dopamine on lysosomal integrity. The increase in hepatic artery and portal vein flows appeared to result from stimulation of dopaminergic receptors since the dopamine dose was in the dopaminergic range and because haloperidol, a dopamine blocker, abolished the improved hemodynamic effects of dopamine. Dopamine benefits the animal in hemorrhagic shock hemodynamically, but does not reverse the metabolic and cellular problems in shock. Combined with a drug opposing the biochemical basis of shock, dopamine may provide a greater anti-shock action.