Dopamine-sensitive adenylate-cyclase in rabbit superior mesenteric artery.

The effect of dopamine on 3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) generation in the rabbit superior mesenteric artery was studied in order to identify dopamine receptors. Dopamine added to homogenates of superior mesenteric artery increased the concentration of cAMP. The stimulation of cAMP levels elicited by dopamine was unaffected by alpha or beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents but was remarkably reduced by the dopamine receptor blocking agents fluphenazine and haloperidol. The findings appear to indicate that the effects of dopamine on rabbit superior mesenteric artery are mediated through activation of the adenylate-cyclase cAMP system.