The effect of carbidopa and indomethacin on the renal response to gamma-L-glutamyl-L-dopa in normal man.

1. The renal response to gamma-L-glutamyl-L-dopa (gludopa, 25 micrograms kg-1 min-1) was investigated in seven normal male volunteers. The effects of oral carbidopa (100 mg) and indomethacin (100 mg) on the response to gludopa were studied in the same group. 2. Gludopa at this dose level produced a 900-fold increase in urine dopamine excretion and caused a natriuresis and suppression of plasma renin activity with only minor effects on pulse rate and blood pressure. 3. Carbidopa inhibited the increase in dopamine excretion by 97% and abolished the renal actions of gludopa. 4. The increase in urine dopamine produced by gludopa was not altered by indomethacin and the urine sodium output was similar to that caused by gludopa alone. 5. Gludopa is an effective renal dopamine prodrug whose activity can be blocked by the dopa decarboxylase inhibitor carbidopa. The results with indomethacin suggest that dopamine and the prostaglandins form separate natriuretic systems in the kidney.