1. Systemic and regional vascular changes were measured in conscious rabbits after intravenous sodium meclofenamate, captopril and phentolamine. These drugs were used respectively to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and angiotensin-converting enzyme, and to block α-adrenoceptors.
2. Meclofenamate reduced renal and adrenal blood flow by 11 and 28% respectively, and doubled hepatic artery flow. The effect on renal and adrenal flow persisted in the presence of phentolamine.
3. Captopril decreased estimated peripheral resistance and increased cardiac output without changing arterial pressure. Kidney and adrenal flow increased by 70 and 21% respectively.
4. Phentolamine reduced arterial pressure and doubled flow to skeletal muscle and increased hepatic artery flow to the liver.
5. Splenic blood flow was unaffected by meclofenamate, captopril or phentolamine alone. Meclofenamate given after captopril caused a halving of splenic flow and a rise in arterial pressure; these effects were prevented by phentolamine.
6. The results point to a continuing effect of prostaglandin synthesis in maintaining blood flow to the kidney and adrenal gland independent of α-adrenoceptor activation in resting conscious rabbits. An important modulating effect of prostaglandins on sympathetic vascular tone in the spleen is suggested.
