Dopamine receptors in the cardiovascular system.

The pharmacological profile and the anatomical localization of dopamine (DA) DA-1 and DA-2 receptor sites were investigated in sections of rat cerebral, mesenteric, renal and caudal arteries. 3H-SCH 23390 (DA-1 ligand) was bound by the medial layer of cerebral, mesenteric, renal but not caudal arteries. 3H-Spiroperidol (DA-2 ligand) was bound by adventitial and adventitial medial sites (sensitive to chemical sympathectomy) and by the intimal layer of the arteries examined. These findings support the view that DA receptors involved in cardiovascular regulation are located in key areas of the arterial wall.