1. Plasma and urine free dopamine were measured daily for 5 days in six normal subjects maintained on a low sodium diet. The subjects were then given dietary supplements of sodium chloride for 5 days and the measurements repeated. 2. Throughout the experiment the 24 h free dopamine excretion rates for all the subjects were higher than could be accounted for by renal clearance. Dopamine excretion increased significantly in response to the added sodium chloride whereas plasma dopamine remained unchanged. The rise in dopamine excretion preceded that of sodium excretion. 3. It is concluded that free dopamine is formed within the kidney in response to increased dietary sodium and may have a role in the control of sodium excretion.

1. Five normal subjects were studied under metabolic conditions on a controlled sodium and potassium intake. 2. Plasma and urine free dopamine concentrations were measured in these subjects before, during and after 5 days administration of fludrocortisone (0.2 mg twice daily). 3. Urine free dopamine showed a tendency to fall during the early phase of fludrocortisone administration and then rose towards normal. 4. In a patient with primary hyperaldosteronism there was no evidence of increased renal production of dopamine. Urine dopamine fell when plasma renin activity rose as a result of spironolactone administration (200 mg three times a day for 5 days). 5. If renal dopamine has a role in mineralocorticoid 'escape' then it may be permissive only. The mechanisms of control of dopamine production could include tubular sodium concentration, tubular chloride concentration and intrarenal renin activity.

29Pshowed a continuing decline in bone turnover compared to those whose responses were poor (plateau or rebound phenomenon). It is concluded that although antibodies may develop during salmon calcitonin therapy they do not appear to be functionally effective.95.