The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adenosine and bradykinin on endothelial cell growth at capillary level. DNA synthesis was measured in subconfluent capillary endothelial cells obtained from coronary venules (CVEC) after exposure to adenosine or bradykinin. Our results indicate that adenosine and bradykinin induced a dose-dependent proliferation of CVEC. Maximal effect was observed at the dose 100 microM concentration for adenosine and 0.1 microM concentration for bradykinin.