Studies were undertaken in conscious mongrel dogs to separate the systemic and renal hemodynamic effects of alterations in serum calcium (Ca) from those of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in an intact conscious animal. Blood pressure was measured intra-arterially, cardiac output was determined by dye-dilution or thermodilution, total peripheral resistance (TPR) was calculated from standard formulae, and renal hemodynamics were estimated by the clearance of inulin and para-aminohippurate. Measurements were made before and after a 2 hour calcium chloride (CaCl2) infusion in 10 dogs (group 1). These animals had previously received a dose of PTH to prevent suppression of PTH during the CaCl2 infusion. Ionized calcium (Ca++) and TPR increased significantly. Blood pressure increased but not significantly. Administration of EDTA did not significantly change any systemic hemodynamic variable in eight thyroparathyroidectomized dogs (group 2). Chelation in seven dogs with intact parathyroid glands (group 3) reduced mean arterial blood pressure and total peripheral resistance. Renal hemodynamic measurements were not affected. Isolated acute elevation of serum Ca++, independent of suppression of PTH, increased total peripheral resistance. Decreased serum Ca++ required normal activity of parathyroids to reduce total peripheral resistance. The renal circulation was resistant to acute manipulation of ionized serum calcium and PTH. CaCl2 infusion to intact dogs (group 1) decreased serum magnesium significantly, increased urine flow rate, and decreased urinary PGE2 excretion. Comparisons between group 2 and group 3 revealed a greater decline in serum Mg and urinary prostaglandin E2 excretion in group 2 vs group 3. Elevation of peripheral resistance due to acute Ca elevations was accompanied by decreased serum Mg and decreased renal prostaglandin excretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)