Sodium Diuresis Produced by Dopamine in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

Abstract

A NUMBER of sympathomimetic amines have been found to increase heart contractile force of laboratory animals1 2 3 and man.4 Because of this positive inotropic effect5 several investigators have suggested that these agents may be of value in the treatment of congestive heart failure.6 7 8 9 Unfortunately, recent attempts to use sympathomimetic amines for such therapy have not been successful. Frye, Kahler and Braunwald8 reported that administration of mephentermine (Wyamine) to patients with congestive heart failure was without beneficial effect, and Sandier, Dodge and Murdaugh9 observed that intravenous administration of isoproterenol did not significantly increase sodium excretion or glomerular filtration rate in 11 patients . . .