The naturally occurring capsaicin-like molecules, resiniferatoxin (RTX, Euphorbia spp.) and piperine (Piper nigrum), each stimulated oxygen uptake (VO2) in association with increased vascular resistance in a concentration-dependent manner when infused into the perfused rat hindlimb. 5 microM glyceryl trinitrate (GTN, a nitrovasodilator) significantly blocked the oxygen and pressure responses to both RTX and piperine, indicating a close relationship between changes in VO2 and the vasoconstriction. Concentrations greater than those required for maximal VO2 resulted in an inhibition of VO2, although perfusion pressure continued to increase. Time course studies showed that both RTX and piperine at high doses resulted in a tri-phasic response. An initial phase of transient VO2 stimulation was followed by a second phase of inhibition. A third phase involving an often larger but transient stimulation of VO2 followed removal of the agents and continued after the pressure returned to basal. The actions of RTX and piperine were similar to those of other active capsaicin-like molecules tested previously in this system, including capsaicinoids (Capsicum spp.), gingerols (Zingiber officinale), and shogoals (Zingiber officinale). RTX was the most potent, and piperine the least potent of this series. Although receptor involvement has yet to be unequivocally established, the data are consistent with the presence of a functional capsaicin-like (vanilloid) receptor in the vasculature of the rat hindlimb that mediates vasoconstriction and oxygen uptake. These findings may have implications for the future development of thermogenic agents.