Inhibitory actions of dopamine on Limulus visceral muscle involve a cyclic AMP-dependent mechanism.

1. The catecholamines dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine were detected in alumina extracts of Limulus midgut tissue using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Moderate levels of norepinephrine (28.2 +/- 2.1 ng/g) and dopamine (24.0 +/- 5.2 ng/g) were detected in the midgut, while epinephrine levels (7.4 +/- 0.9 ng/g) were less. Catecholamines were present in all regions along the longitudinal axis of the midgut, and norepinephrine and dopamine levels were highest in posterior regions. 2. Catecholamines decreased muscle tonus and inhibited spontaneous contractions of the Limulus midgut. Dopamine typically decreased spontaneous midgut activity at doses of 10(-8) M or greater, and produced inhibitory actions on all regions of the Limulus midgut. In some preparations epinephrine and norepinephrine elicited a secondary rhythmicity. The actions of dopamine opposed the excitatory effects produced by either proctolin or octopamine. 3. Catecholamines significantly elevated levels of cyclic AMP in Limulus midgut muscle rings. Dopamine (10(-5) M) increased cyclic AMP with a time course consistent with its physiological effects. Forskolin and several methyl xanthines increased Limulus midgut cyclic AMP levels and mimicked the inhibitory effects of dopamine on the isolated midgut preparation. Cyclic nucleotide analogues also produced dopamine-like effects on the isolated midgut preparation. Inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase prior to addition of dopamine enhanced the effect of this amine to decrease baseline muscle tension. 4. The inhibitory effects of 10(-5) M dopamine on the midgut persisted in solutions of zero sodium and in the presence of tetrodotoxin. Zero calcium solutions gradually reduced spontaneous midgut activity and the effects of dopamine. Calcium channel blockers did not prohibit dopamine-induced relaxation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)