The purpose of our study was to compare the ability of dobutamine and dipyridamole infusion to induce myocardial ischemia. In a population of 16 anesthetized open-chest swine, a coronary artery stenosis sufficient to abolish the hyperemic response to a 15-second total occlusion was created. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and dP/dt were recorded. Myocardial segment shortening was determined by sonomicrometry in all animals. In a subset of seven animals regional myocardial blood flow was measured by injection of radiolabeled microspheres. Dipyridamole was infused according to a high-dose protocol. After a washout period and reestablishment of a baseline state, dobutamine was infused incrementally. There was no significant difference between the baseline states. Dipyridamole did not affect heart rate but did significantly decrease blood pressure and rate-pressure product. Myocardial segment shortening decreased in the ischemic zone by 0.07 +/- 0.08 (p = 0.004). Dobutamine infusion significantly increased heart rate, blood pressure, and rate-pressure product. Myocardial segment shortening in the ischemic zone decreased by 0.17 +/- 0.09 (p < 0.001). Dobutamine decreased blood flow in the ischemic zone relative to baseline. Both dobutamine and dipyridamole infusion resulted in myocardial ischemia. The magnitude of the ischemic response is greater for dobutamine than for dipyridamole.