In porcine coronary artery endothelium-dependent relaxation to bradykinin is in part attributed to a chemically unidentified factor, termed endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). We hypothesize that arachidonic acid, acting through a cyclooxygenase-independent mechanism, is responsible for EDHF production. To define the relationship between EDHF production and arachidonic acid release, we investigated the role of phospholipase C in bradykinin-induced relaxation and prostaglandin I2 production (an index of arachidonic acid release) in porcine coronary artery. The phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 (1 mumol/L) abolished bradykinin-induced, nitric oxide-mediated relaxation but did not inhibit either bradykinin-induced, EDHF-mediated relaxation or prostaglandin I2 production. However, when given at a larger dose (20 mumol/L) U73122 abolished both bradykinin-induced, EDHF-mediated relaxation and prostaglandin I2 production. Similarly, the calcium-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin, given at a dose (1 mumol/L) that abolished bradykinin-induced increases in intracellular calcium concentration in cultured porcine coronary artery endothelial cells, eliminated both bradykinin-induced. EDHF-mediated relaxation and prostaglandin I2 production. Although thapsigargin abolished bradykinin-induced prostaglandin I2 production, the basal production of prostaglandin I2 was enhanced and contraction of endothelium-intact rings was attenuated. These latter responses are most likely related to enhanced basal arachidonic acid release and associated EDHF production. These observations suggest that phospholipase C activation and increased intracellular calcium concentration are required for both bradykinin-induced arachidonic acid release and EDHF production in porcine coronary artery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)