Central hemodynamic responses evoked by standardized hemorrhage (exsanguination of 20 ml x kg bwt-1) were followed during 2 h in cats with intact and blocked vascular beta 2-adrenoceptors using the 'selective' beta 2-blocker, ICI 118, 551. In the first 10 min after bleeding blood pressure and cardiac output (CO) decreased and total peripheral resistance (TPR) increased by the same amount in the 'intact' and beta 2-blocked animals. Whereas blood pressure later on reached approximately the same hypotension level in both groups, other hemodynamic variables were distinctly different. In the 'intact' animals there was a gradual, partial recovery of stroke volume (SV) and CO in the face of a restoration to control of TPR. In the beta 2-blocked animals TPR continued to increase in the face of a maintained low CO and declining SV. The lower SV in the latter group was ascribed to abolition of beta 2-adrenergic restoration of plasma volume via absorption of tissue fluid into the circulation. The gradual decline of TPR in the 'intact' animals was attributed to beta 2-adrenergic dilator interaction with constrictor influences on the resistance vessels. It is concluded that beta-adrenergic vascular control mechanisms help to improve nutritional tissue blood flow during hemorrhage by increasing plasma volume, and hence venous return and CO, and by decreasing TPR. These reflex, beta 2-adrenergic circulatory events are similar to those aimed at in current shock therapy by transfusion and vasodilator treatment.