Intrinsic vascular dopamine - a key modulator of hypoxia-induced vasodilatation in splanchnic vessels
2014
Abstract
We demonstrated dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline in rat aorta and superior mesenteric arteries by radioimmunoassay. Chemical sympathectomy did not affect tissue dopamine levels.
Isolated endothelial cells were able to synthesise and release dopamine upon cAMP stimulation. Endothelial and smooth muscle cells expressed catecholaminergic traits (RT-PCR, WB).
Exposure of endothelial cells to hypoxia (1% O2) increased tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA. Hypoxic vasodilatation was abrogated by receptor D1-antagonist.
In conclusion, endothelial cells and cells of the underlying vascular wall synthesize and release dopamine in an oxygen-regulated manner.