ALDOSTERONE AND DOPAMINE-RECEPTORS IN THE KIDNEY - SITES FOR PHARMACOLOGIC MANIPULATION OF RENAL-FUNCTION

Abstract

Therapeutic manipulation of renal hormone receptors is appropriate for hormone functions in which the kidney is the most biologically significant end organ. Renal hormone receptors may also be affected by drugs directed elsewhere. Two kidney hormone receptor systems have been discussed - those for aldosterone and for dopamine. Aldosterone agonists (9-α-fluorohydrocortisone) and antagonists (spironolactone) are used to manipulate sodium and potassium balance. Unintentional manipulation of the aldosterone receptor causing sodium retention and hypertension can occur with putative glucocorticoids (9-α-fluoroprednisolone) administered in nasal sprays as well as with liquorice extracts used to tre..