This study was carried out to examine the effects of low 'alpha-blocking' and higher 'membrane-stabilizing' doses of chlorpromazine (CPZ) on renal function. CPZ was given at slow infusion rate either intravenously or into the left renal artery at three levels (0.5-1.0, 3-8, and 10-15 mg/kg) to 10 anesthetized dogs. An increase in plasma hemoglobin sometimes occurred within few minutes after infusion of more than 10 mg/kg CPZ, probably due to a hemolytic effect of such high doses. Systemic infusion of 0.5-1 mg/kg CPZ caused an increase in urine volume, sodium excretion, and renal plasma flow, and a decrease in filtration fraction and free water clearance was demonstrated in all dogs. At higher CPZ doses renal plasma flow increased further, whereas urine volume and electrolyte excretion were of the same order at all dose levels. A 21% decrease in tubular maximum para-aminohippurate transport (Tm(PAH)) was observed at the highest CPZ doses. After unilateral renal intra-arterial CPZ infusion the percentage change in urine volume, urinary sodium excretion, and Tm(PAH) were of the same order on the infused side as on the contralateral side. Even though the results at all dose levels can be explained by an 'alpha-blocking' effect of CPZ, possible membrane-stabilizine effects of CPZ cannot be excluded.