Spontaneous rhythmic activity observed in some of the guinea-pig sphincter of Oddi preparations was completely abolished by PGE2 (10(-8) M) but not altered by PGF2 alpha (10(-6) M). 2. Indomethacin (10(-5) M), a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, elicited long-lasting rhythmic contractions in 50% of the preparations tested, which did not show any spontaneous activity. PGE2 (10(-8) M) completely inhibited, however PGF2 alpha (10(-8)-10(-6) M) did not change the rhythmic contractions induced by indomethacin. 3. Both initial phasic contraction and the frequency and amplitude of peristaltic waves induced by ACh (10(-3) M) were increased by indomethacin (10(-5) M), decreased by PGE2 (10(-7) M) and not altered by PGF2 alpha (10(-7) M).