Abstract
We have investigated dopaminergic mechanisms involved in the control of corticosteroid secretion in patients with idiopathic edema. The effects of treatment with the dopamine agonist bromocriptine (2.5 mg, three times a day for 5 days) on PRA, plasma cortisol, corticosterone, 18-hydroxycorticosterone (18-OHB), aldosterone, and PRL levels, and blood pressure responses to upright posture and isometric exercise were evaluated in nine patients with idiopathic edema and nine normal controls. Additionally, PRA and plasma cortisol, corticosterone, 18-OHB, aldosterone, and PRL responses to the dopamine antagonist metoclopramide were evaluated in both groups. Basal supine levels of PRA, cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, and PRL were similar in the two groups. However, plasma 18-OHB was considerably greater in the edema patients. Edema patients displayed greater orthostatic weight gain and greater 18-OHB and aldosterone responses to upright posture and isometric handgrip exercise. Bromocriptine treatment marke...
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