This study evaluated the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on medullary and cortical blood flow (MBF and CBF, respectively) and the interactions with other local vasoactive systems in the regulation of renal regional blood flow. CBF and MBF were measured simulataneously by laser-Doppler flowmetry in anesthetized Wistar rats. Administration of ET-1 (1.0 nmol/kg, i.v.) produced a decrease in CBF (delta = -20%) and at the same time increased MBF (delta = +24%). In the presence of nitric oxide (NO) blockade by L-NAME, the vasodilatory effect of ET-1 on MBF was completely blocked and actually reversed (delta = -19%), whereas the cortical vasconstrictor effect was potentiated (delta = -31%). Cycloxygenase inhibition with indomethacin attenuated the vasodilator effect of ET-1 on MBF (delta = +12%) but did not affect the changes in CBF. Therefore, ET-1 exerts a differential effect on intrarenal regional blood flow, i.e., a decrease in CBF and an increase in MBF. The medullary vasodilator action of the peptide is dependent on an intact NO system and, to a lesser extent, on prostaglandin synthesis.