The utilisation od dopamine at an average dose of 6 mug/kg/mn, for the treatment of 19 shock states, is proved to be of particular interest. The lapic action, the special amelioration of the left ventricular function suggest that dopamine is an useful drug in the treatment of circulatory failure and myocardial inefficiency. The renal and mesenteric vasodilatation produced, prevent or treat the acute renal failure of shock. The actions of dopamine are different from those of other vasopressive amines (norepinephrine, isoproterenol, glucagon) and make dopamine on the first drug to treat shock states.