NCIt definition : The hydrochloride salt form of dopamine, a monoamine compound with positive inotropic
activity. Dopamine is a naturally occurring catecholamine formed by decarboxylation
of dehydroxyphenylalanine and a precursor of norepinephrine and epinephrine. Dopamine
binds to alpha-1- and beta-1- adrenergic receptors. Mediated through myocardial beta-1-adrenergic
receptors, dopamine increase heart rate and force, thereby increasing cardiac output.
Alpha-1-adrenergic receptor stimulation on vascular smooth muscle, leads to vasoconstriction
and results in an increase in systemic vascular resistance. Stimulation of dopaminergic
receptors in renal vasculature, leads to renal blood vessel dilation, and an increase
in glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow, sodium excretion, and urine output.;