In helical strips cut from the small mesenteric artery of guinea-pig (GPSMA) (0.3-0.6 mm o.d.) relaxations induced by substance P were more susceptible to damage of the endothelium by rubbing than were relaxations evoked by carbachol. Relaxations induced by 2-nicotin-amidoethyl nitrate (SG75) were unaffected by this procedure. Relaxations evoked by the calcium ionophore A23187 persisted when those to substance P had been abolished by rubbing the endothelium in GPSMA, rabbit mesenteric and rabbit ear arteries. In guinea-pig pulmonary artery and aorta relaxations to A23187 were lost after this treatment. Carbachol and SG75 were more effective in inhibiting phasic than tonic tension induced by noradrenaline in GPSMA, but substance P was more effective against tonic tension. In the GPSMA, carbachol and substance P inhibited tension produced by noradrenaline to similar extents. However, carbachol was less, and substance P much less effective in inhibiting tension evoked by high-potassium solution than by noradrenaline. Susceptibility of relaxations to blockade by haemoglobin in GPSMA was: substance P greater than carbachol greater than ATP greater than SG75. The membrane potential of smooth muscle cells in the media of the GPSMA was recorded by microelectrode. Carbachol, but not substance P, hyperpolarized the cells both in the presence and absence of noradrenaline at concentrations which relaxed the muscle. These results suggest a heterogeneity in the mechanisms of endothelial-dependent relaxations induced by various vascular relaxants.