Neuropeptide Y (NPY) potentiated the contractile responses induced by electrical transmural stimulation, noradrenaline and KCl in the rabbit mesenteric artery. 2. In preparations treated with noradrenaline or KCl in Ca2+ free medium, NPY also potentiated the contractile response induced by resupplementation of Ca2+. 3. 3H-efflux from the arteries preincubated with [3H]-noradrenaline was not affected by NPY. 4. These results suggest that NPY selectively acts on the postsynaptic membrane and potentiates the contractions mediated through receptor-operated and voltage-dependent Ca channels.