The vasodilating effects of tetrazepam (1,4-benzodiazepine derivative) were studied and compared with those of the K-channel activator, cromakalim and the Ca-channel blocker, diltiazem, in rat aorta smooth muscle and on the spontaneous contractile activity of the rat portal vein. In the aorta, tetrazepam (3 x 10(-7)-10(-4) M) and diltiazem (10(-8)-3 x 10(-6) M) concentration-dependently relaxed aortic rings contracted by 30 mM as well as 80 m KCl. Although cromakalim (10(-8)-3 x 10(-6) M) concentration-dependently relaxed aortic rings contracted by 30 mM KCl, it did not relax those contrated by 80 mm KCl. In the presence of the ATP-sensitive K-channel blocker, glibenclamide (10(-6) and 3 x 10(-6) M), 30 mM KCl concentration-response curves for the relaxant effect of tetrazepam and diltiazem were unaffected but cromakalim caused a progressive shift of these curves upwards. In the portal vein, tetrazepam inhibited spontaneous contractions, decreased amplitude and increased frequency. Similar behaviour was shown with diltiazem (10(-8)-10(-5) M) and in both cases, pre-treatment with glibenclamide (10(-6) M) was ineffective. Although cromakalim (10(-5)-10(-6) M) decreased both amplitude and frequency, this effect was blocked by glibenclamide. These results indicate that the vasodilator action of tetrazepam is not mediated to the opening of ATP-sensitive K-channels, unlike cromakalim. This may be mediated, like those of diltiazem, by the blockade of calcium movements across the cell membrane.