The i.v. bolus application of 1 nmol/kg endothelin-1 (ET-1) in anaesthetized and ventilated guinea-pigs caused an increase in mean arterial blood pressure (BP) and a bronchoconstriction. Both have been reduced or abolished hy COX inhibition (ASA) or substances specifically reducing the thromboxane A2 (TXA2) generation (HOE 944) or receptor binding (BM 13177). The significant increase in TXB, concentrations in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) after ET-1 challenge (15-fold and 4-fold, respectively) have been reduced or abolished by ASA as well as HOE 944 and not altered by BM 13177.