Gastric distension in anaesthetized pigs reflexly elicits peripheral vasoconstriction and an increase in plasma renin activity (PRA), with vagal afferent and sympathetic efferent limbs. The aim of the present study was to quantify the contribution of the renin-angiotensin system to the peripheral vasoconstriction. In pigs anaesthetized with α-chloralose, changes in anterior descending coronary, superior mesenteric and left external iliac blood flow caused by stomach distension before and after blockade of angiotensin II receptors with losartan were assessed using electromagnetic flowmeters. Gastric distension for periods of 30 min was performed by injecting 0.8 l warm Ringer solution into balloons positioned within the viscus. Changes in heart rate and renal blood flow were prevented by atrial pacing and injection of phentolamine into the renal arteries, and changes in regional perfusion pressure and in baroreceptor activity were minimized by aortic constriction and denervation of the carotid sinuses. PRA was assessed by radioimmunoassay of angiotensin I. Before blockade of angiotensin II receptors by administration of losartan, stomach distension decreased coronary blood flow by 14.2 % in six pigs and mesenteric and iliac blood flow by 11 % and 17.3 %, respectively, in another six pigs. After administration of losartan, these decreases were significantly reduced to 7.4 %, 6.8 % and 8.7 %, respectively. The above responses were abolished by bilateral section of the subdiaphragmatic vagal nerves. These results show that the peripheral vasoconstriction reflexly caused by stomach distension was significantly contributed to by the concomitant activation of the renin-angiotensin system. Experimental Physiology (2003) 88.3, 359-367.