Dopaminergic regulation of aldosterone secretion. Biochemical mechanisms and pharmacology.

Aldosterone secretion is subject to both stimulatory and inhibitory controls. Angiotensin II (AII) is the primary regulator of aldosterone production and an inhibitory role of dopamine (DA) has been suggested recently. We have reported that two different DA receptors are present in rat adrenal glomerulosa: D-1, associated with stimulation of adenylate cyclase, and D-2, coupled in an inhibitory way with the cyclic AMP (cAMP) generating system. By measuring aldosterone secretion and cAMP formation in intact adrenal glomerulosa cells, we also found a specific functional interaction between D-2 receptors apparently associated with inhibition of cAMP formation and AII in the regulation of aldosterone production.