Thermogenic and metabolic effects of dopamine in healthy men

Crit Care Med. 1991 Aug;19(8):1030-6. doi: 10.1097/00003246-199108000-00010.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the thermogenic response of dopamine at three different infusion rates and to analyze its effects on various biochemical variables.

Design: Randomized sequential experimental treatment bracketed by control periods.

Patients: Eight young healthy male volunteers with normal body weight (51 to 89 kg).

Interventions: Three experimental periods during which dopamine was administered iv in a randomized order at rates of 2.5, 5, or 10 micrograms/kg.min with one preinfusion baseline and two recovery periods in between.

Measurements and main results: A significant (p less than .01) increase in resting energy expenditure was observed in response to the two highest dopamine infusion rates (5 and 10 micrograms/kg.min), corresponding to 6% and 15% median increases, respectively, as compared with preinfusion values. At the lowest dopamine infusion rate, no variation in resting energy expenditure was observed. Dopamine induced a significant (p less than .01) increase in hyperglycemia at all three infusion rates, and, at the highest infusion rate, dopamine induced a significant (p less than .05) increase of plasma free fatty acid concentrations. Insulin plasma concentrations were significantly (p less than .05 to p less than 0.1) increased at the three dopamine infusion rates.

Conclusions: Dopamine infusion produces a dose-dependent thermogenic effect and induces various metabolic actions in man.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Body Temperature / drug effects*
  • Dopamine / administration & dosage
  • Dopamine / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Energy Metabolism / drug effects*
  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / blood
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Insulin / blood
  • Male

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified
  • Insulin
  • Dopamine