The effects of nephrectomy, prostacyclin (PGI2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and indomethacin on the vascular renin-angiotensin system were examined using isolated perfused mesenteric arteries. Angiotensin II (Ang II) released from the vasculature was measured using a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge which was placed in the perfusion system. After perfusion with drugs, the specific vascular renin activity inhibited by antirenin antibody was determined. Plasma renin activity was markedly decreased 48 h after nephrectomy, whereas vascular renin activity was increased. Released Ang II from mesenteric arteries of nephrectomized rats was not significantly different from that in control rats. Infusion of PGI2 (10(-6) mol/l) and PGE2 (10(-6) mol/l) for 1 h caused significant decreases in Ang II release (P less than 0.01 and P less than 0.05, respectively) and also decreased vascular renin activity. In contrast, infusion of indomethacin (10(-6) mol/l) for 1 h resulted in an increase (P less than 0.01) in vascular renin activity. These findings suggest that the vascular renin-angiotensin system exists independently of the circulating renin-angiotensin system. In contrast with their effects on renal renin, prostaglandins suppress the vascular renin-angiotensin system. The interaction between two vasoactive hormones in the vascular wall may be important for local regulation of vascular tone and regional blood flow.