An in vivo animal model was developed in the rabbit for the study of the mechanisms involved in the generation and release of prostanoids. Following heparinization and, if required, further sensitization of the animals by intravenous administration of haemolysed blood, injection of doses of arachidonic acid not exceeding 180 micrograms/kg induced a marked fall in arterial blood pressure on condition that the plasma anti-inflammatory protein levels were within the normal range. Cicletanine, certain diuretics (furosemide and bumetanide), as well as calcium-entry blockers such as verapamil and the association of insulin and potassium ions, all markedly decreased the AA50 value and were accompanied by a significant increase in the plasma levels of 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha, enhancing as such the ratio of 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha versus TXB2 in plasma. The infusion of insulin in association with potassium ions induced a similar but less sustained effect. Drugs which affect membrane ion transport were investigated in relation to an enhancing effect on the generation and release of prostanoids following the administration of arachidonic acid.