Gradual coronary constriction was elicited in conscious dogs by means of an implanted ameroid coronary constrictor. The functional state of the coronary collateral circulation was serially evaluated by means of regional contractile responses, using brief occlusions of the left circumflex coronary artery and strenuous running in the field. Although resting regional myocardial function was unchanged throughout the study, regional myocardial shortening during coronary occlusion decreased to 9% of control at 3-4 days after the operation; it then recovered progressively to 24% at 7-9 days, 45% at 15-18 days, and 94% at 20-24 days. Concomitantly, reactive hyperemia measured with a flowmeter declined from 300% at 3-4 days to 228, 88, and 0% at 7-9, 15-18, and 20-24 days, respectively. A bout of running held 21 days after the ameroid implant when resting regional function was well maintained induced severe regional and global dysfunction. These findings indicate the usefulness of regional myocardial contractile responses in assessing coronary collateral reserve.