The influence of endothelin-1 on ventricular fibrillation threshold was studied in acute myocardial ischemic rats. Endothelin-1 (1.5 - 3.0 mu g.kg(-1) iv) given 5 min before ischemia reduced the ventricular fibrillation threshold in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Its effect lasted at least 60 min. marked increase of spontaneous ventricular tachycardia and myocardial infarct size was seen and the arterial blood pressure was at a higher level (18.5 - 20.1/14.4 - 15.8 kPa) after 3.0 mu g.kg(-1). Diltiazem prevented par- tially from reduction of ventricular fibrillation threshold, eliminated completely the vasopressor response and limited the extension of myocardial necrosis induced by endothelin-1.