N omega-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester has been reported to have muscarinic receptor blocking activity whereas the nonesterified analog does not bind to muscarinic receptors. The present study was, therefore, undertaken to compare the inhibitory effects of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester with those of N omega-nitro-L-arginine on baseline tone and on vasodilator responses to acetylcholine, bradykinin, and substance P in the mesenteric vascular bed of the cat under constant flow conditions. Administration of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and N omega-nitro-L-arginine in doses of 100 mg/kg i.v. increased baseline tone in the mesenteric vascular bed and inhibited mesenteric vasodilator responses to acetylcholine, bradykinin, and substance P. The increase in mesenteric arterial perfusion pressure and the decrease in vasodilator responses to the three endothelium-dependent vasodilator agents following administration of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and N omega-nitro-L-arginine did not differ significantly. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitors did not attenuate vasodilator responses to agents that induce vasodilation by nonendothelium-dependent mechanisms and enhanced responses to the nitrovasodilators. Atropine blocked vasodilator responses to acetylcholine but did not alter responses to bradykinin or substance P. The similarity in the inhibitory effects of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and N omega-nitro-L-arginine on responses to acetylcholine, bradykinin, and substance P suggest that the L-arginine analog, N omega-nitro-L-arginine, as well as the methyl ester of N omega-nitro-L-arginine, are useful probes for studying endothelium-dependent vasodilator responses in the mesenteric vascular bed of the cat.