research studies » completed studies
Since our founding in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has funded hundreds of health research studies to protect, treat and cure the world's companion animals and wildlife.
Our studies have led to major advances in veterinary care, including vaccines and other preventions, diagnostic tools and new therapies for the diseases and health conditions that threaten the lives of the animals we love. Search our completed study database by species and/or disease to learn more about how our work has given animals longer, healthier lives.
Category
D03FE-008: Renal Effects and Characteristics of a Newly Identified Dopamine-1 Receptor in the Cat Kidney
principal investigator: James S. Wohl, DVM, Auburn University
completed
Year: 0 of 0. $0
Kidney failure is a common disease in cats with no effective treatment. Kidney failure is also a common complication of heart disease and other diseases associated with hypotension and dehydration. In dogs, the drug dopamine is used to improve kidney function and urination; however, cats respond poorly to this drug. Fenoldopam, a drug used for managing severe hypertension, holds promise for treating kidney disease in cats because it enhances blood flow and urine production. This project identifies an effective dosage for fenoldopam in cats and studies the specific characteristics of the feline kidney. The results will immediately impact the management of feline kidney disease and help develop new drug therapies.
Results
Investigators confirmed that cats have renal dopamine receptors but in fewer numbers than in other species. This finding explains why cats with kidney disease respond poorly to dopamine. Investigators also determined that cats seem to have receptors that bind to the drug fenoldopam to a greater extent than to dopamine. Through this study, they found that fenoldopam causes increased urine output in healthy cats shortly after a drug infusion. Although further studies to test this response in cats with kidney disease are needed before the drug can be recommended, these findings indicate that fenoldopam holds promise for treating cats with acute renal failure. The results also support offering this treatment in cats who have not responded to other therapies.
