Acute hypoxemia causes a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow (RBF) in newborns. These changes are partly mediated by local-acting vasoactive factors. We have previously shown that bradykinin (BK) has a vasodilatory role in the basic regulation of neonatal hemodynamics. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether BK can modulate the severe renal vasoconstriction associated with hypoxemia in the newborn rabbit. The effect of systemic hypoxemia (PaO2 approximately 40 mmHg) on renal function was investigated in 9 newborn rabbits (controls) and in 8 animals in which BK-B2 receptors were blocked by Hoe 140 (300 microg/kg subcutaneously), given prior to the induction of hypoxemia. The studies were performed under pentobarbital anesthesia at the age of 5-9 days. In control animals, acute hypoxemia caused a significant decrease in GFR and RBF and an increase in renal vascular resistance. Similar glomerular hemodynamic changes were observed in BK-B2 receptor-blocked newborn rabbits. These results indicate that BK does not play a significant role in the renal vascular changes of the hypoxemic-stressed newborn.