Using an X-ray television system, we measured directly changes in the internal diameter (ID), flow velocity, and volume flow of the small pulmonary vessels (100-500 microns ID) in response to electrical sympathetic nerve stimulation (SNS) in anaesthetized cats before and after adrenergic receptor blockade. Flow velocity was obtained by measuring the distance that the leading edge of the contrast medium moved per 0.1 s in the small arteries. Volume flow was obtained from the product of flow velocity and cross-sectional area calculated from the ID of the small arteries. SNS was accomplished with 10- to 15-V square-wave pulses of 2-ms duration at 20-30 Hz for 20-s periods. In response to SNS, arterial ID decreased significantly by 8-13% in the 200- to 500-microns vessels but not in the 100- to 200-microns vessels. In the veins, on the other hand, there was no significant ID decrease in any of the 100- to 500-microns vessels. After alpha-receptor blockade (phentolamine, 2 mg/kg i.v.), there were significant ID increases (4-9%) in the 100- to 500-microns arteries in response to SNS, the maximum increases being in the 100- to 200-microns arteries. After beta-blockade (propranolol, 2 mg/kg i.v.), the ID decrease due to SNS in the 200- to 500-microns arteries was enhanced (24-27%) and, in addition, the 100- to 200-microns arteries exhibited a significant ID decrease (18%). Combined alpha- and beta-blockade completely abolished the ID decrease due to SNS. In the veins, on the other hand, no ID change occurred even after alpha- or beta-blockade.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)