A case of hyperdopaminuria due to increased renal dopamine production

Nephron. 1990;56(3):329-31. doi: 10.1159/000186163.

Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests that dopamine is synthesized within the kidney and that this intrarenally formed dopamine plays a role in sodium handling. We report on a case, in which a patient had markedly elevated urinary dopamine levels, due to increased renal dopamine synthesis, while receiving chronic corticosteroid therapy. Blockade of the renal dopamine synthesis, by carbidopa, markedly reduced urinary dopamine output and urinary sodium excretion. These findings provide further evidence for the hypothesis that intrarenal dopamine plays a role in sodium handling and may be of pathophysiological importance in counteracting the sodium-retaining effects of chronic corticosteroid therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Asthma / drug therapy
  • Asthma / metabolism
  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Dopamine / physiology
  • Dopamine / urine*
  • Female
  • Homeostasis / physiology
  • Humans
  • Kidney / drug effects
  • Kidney / metabolism*
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Kidney / physiopathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Sodium / metabolism

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Sodium
  • Dopamine