1. The blood-bathed organ technique was used to study the release of catecholamines, angiotensin II and prostaglandin-like (PL) substances into the circulation during hypercapnia and after haemorrhage in anaesthetized dogs.
2. Elevated blood concentrations of noradrenaline, angiotensin II and prostaglandin-like substances have been detected during both experimental conditions.
3. The rise of arterial blood pressure during hypercapnia and after haemorrhage was associated with elevated concentrations of angiotensin II in the blood and could be abolished by inhibition of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme with SQ 20881.
4. The compensation of arterial pressure during both stresses was significantly impaired by release of prostaglandin-like substances; it could be restored by inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis with indomethacin.
5. The results indicate that activation of the renin—angiotensin system represents the major humoral mechanism for the maintenance of arterial pressure during hypercapnic acidosis and after haemorrhage.
