There is increased awareness of the role of dopamine in cardiovascular function, renal function and systemic blood pressure regulation. Growing evidence indicates that each of the five dopamine receptor subtypes participates in the regulation of blood pressure by mechanisms distinct for that particular subtype. Some dopamine receptors regulate blood pressure by influencing the central and peripheral nervous system, while others influence renal function and release of renin, aldosterone and vasopressin. This review summarizes the physiology and pathophysiology of the peripheral dopaminergic system and our current understanding of the role of individual dopamine receptors in the pathophysiology of human essential hypertension.