Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor peptide synthesized by the vascular smooth muscle endothelium, has been previously shown to produce a sustained, salt-sensitive elevation in mean arterial pressure when chronically infused over a 7-day period into male Sprague-Dawley rats. In addition to other physiological actions, ET-1 has been shown to have potent effects on various renal functions, including renin production. Activation of the renin-angiotensin system, therefore, may contribute to the pressor response induced by ET-1. In this investigation, captopril ([2S]-1-[3-mercapto-2-methylpropionyl]-L-proline), a sulfhydryl-containing angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor, was chronically administered to endothelin-infused rats to elucidate the role of the renin-angiotensin system in this animal model of hypertension. Rats were catheterized, housed in metabolic cages, and maintained on a fixed 6.0 meq.day-1 sodium intake throughout the experiment, with daily measurements taken of mean arterial pressure, heart rate, water intake, urine output, and urinary sodium and potassium excretions. Infusion of ET-1 alone at a rate of 5.0 pmol.kg-1.min-1 for 7 days was associated with a significant and sustained increase in mean arterial pressure; concomitant chronic administration of captopril in another group of rats at a rate of 1.0 mg.kg-1.hr-1 prevented the ET-1-induced hypertension. In an additional study, however, increases in plasma angiotensin II concentration were not observed in rats administered ET-1 alone at 5.0 pmol.kg-1.min-1. These results indicate that endothelin-induced hypertension may involve stimulation of the renin-angiotensin system but not an increase in circulating angiotensin II concentration.