The effect of verapamil, a Ca++ antagonist drug, on renal function and proximal fluid reabsorption in normal and hypertensive (GII) rats was studied. During intravenous infusion of verapamil, mean arterial pressure (MAP) fell significantly in both groups, 23% more in hypertensive than in normotensive rats. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was significantly higher in hypertensive rats and also increased significantly in this group during verapamil infusion. Effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) was similar in both groups and did not change significantly during verapamil infusion. The increase in urine flow, Na+ and Ca++ excretion was higher in hypertensive than in normotensive rats during verapamil infusion. When 10(-5) M verapamil was added to the luminal perfusate of proximal tubules, fluid reabsorption was reduced to 64% in normotensive and to 42% in hypertensive rats. When added to capillary perfusate, fluid reabsorption was almost completely but reversibly inhibited (92% in normotensive and 83% in hypertensive rats). Our findings indicate a direct effect of verapamil on renal Na+ and possibly also on Ca++ reabsorption, suggesting involvement of the Na+-Ca++ countertransport system. The greater effect of verapamil on Na+ excretion in hypertensive rats was not due to increased action on proximal Na+ reabsorption.