We examined the effect of substance P, a potent stimulator of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) release, on responses to collagen and adenosine 3',5'-diphosphate (ADP) in an in vivo model of platelet aggregation. Substance P inhibited platelet aggregation induced in vivo by both collagen and ADP. This anti-platelet effect was particularly pronounced against collagen-induced aggregation and was prevented by prior administration of haemoglobin (Hb), a known inhibitor of EDRF-mediated responses. Collagen-induced platelet aggregation in vitro was unaffected by a concentration of substance P equivalent to that achieved in plasma following in vivo administration. This study provides a clear demonstration of the anti-platelet activity of EDRF in vivo and an indication that its effectiveness may depend on the aggregating agent used.