The development of novel DA receptor agonists, with various receptor selectivities, has confirmed the therapeutic utility of modulationing the peripheral dopaminergic system as Goldberg proposed 30 years ago. In addition to the acute therapy of heart failure, circulatory shock, and renal dysfunction, for which low dose DA has been standard therapy for many years, there is substantial evidence that DA receptor modulation will make a significant contribution to the chronic therapy of hypertension and congestive heart failure. However, development of drugs with adequate oral bioavailability remains a priority if we are to exploit fully these therapeutic possibilities.