Evidence in vitro and in humans suggest that Mg2+ can alter systemic and renal vascular tone. However, the mechanism of these effects is not known. The role of vasodilator prostaglandin release and Ca2+ flux in Mg2+-induced changes in blood pressure and renal blood flow was studied in 10 normal subjects maintained on a fixed 80-mEq Na+ and K+ diet. Magnesium sulfate infused at 200 mg/hr for 3 hours reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure within 1 hour (from 119 +/- 2 [SEM] to 109 +/- 4 mm Hg systolic; from 74 +/- 3 to 64 +/- 4 mm Hg diastolic; p less than 0.02). This hypotensive response was seen in all subjects and persisted for 3 hours. The pulse rate did not change, but renal blood flow (p-aminohippurate clearance) increased (from 902 +/- 78 to 1108 +/- 130 ml/min/1.73 m2; p less than 0.05). The Mg2+ infusion produced a significant increase in the excretion of the stable prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) metabolite 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (from 96 +/- 12 to 154 +/- 16 ng/g creatinine; p less than 0.01). In contrast, urinary PGE2 was not altered (328 +/- 75 vs 399 +/- 145 ng/g creatinine; p greater than 0.6). To evaluate the functional role of PGI2 release, the cyclooxygenase inhibitors indomethacin (75 mg) or ibuprofen (600 mg) were given before the Mg2+ infusion. Both cyclooxygenase blockers, given in doses that inhibited immunoreactive 6-keto-PGF1 alpha release, completely prevented the Mg2+-induced decline in blood pressure and increased renal blood flow.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)