The effects of two dopamine agonists, dopamine itself and SKF 38393, alone and in the presence of several dopamine antagonists, have been studied in the partially contracted, isolated and perfused renal artery of the rat. In this preparation, earlier used by other authors in vascular pharmacological experiments, the dopaminergic agents produced clear vasodilator effects which were inhibited by all antagonists used. Due to its low cost and simplicity, such a preparation would be of practical value in testing dopaminergic drugs.

No abstract