Dopamine receptor agonists in cardiovascular medicine.

The cardiovascular and renal effects of dopamine are mediated through peripheral catecholamine receptors. Knowledge of the receptor type responsible for each of the actions of dopamine leads to its rational use clinically and to understanding the hemodynamic actions of the newer dopamine receptor agonists recently introduced into clinical trials. Several of the newer agonists have profiles of receptor activities that differ from dopamine, and early clinical studies indicate that they will have different therapeutic indications and applications.