This study was designed to evaluate the contribution of the systemic baroreceptor reflex on renal nerve activity (RNA) and renal vascular resistance (RVR) during occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMAO) in anesthetized dogs. Animals were divided into two groups; RVR evaluated group and RNA measured group. For evaluation of changes in RVR, the left kidney was perfused at a constant flow with heparinized blood by using a pulsatile roller pump. Renal perfusion pressure, arterial blood pressure and heart rate were measured simultaneously. During SMAO, MAP and RVR increased significantly in animals with intact systemic baroreceptors. After combined denervation of the carotid sinus and vagal nerves, a significant enhancement of this RVR response during SMAO occurred and the level of changes in RVR were significantly greater than those in animals with an intact neuraxis. In the RNA measured group, renal sympathetic nerve activity, arterial blood pressure and heart rate were measured simultaneously before and during SMAO. During SMAO, MAP and RNA increased significantly in animals with intact systemic baroreceptors. These MAP and RNA responses to SMAO were significantly enhanced in animals with combined denervation of the carotid sinus and vagal nerves. These results indicate that SMAO evokes an increase in arterial blood pressure, renal sympathetic nerve activity and renal vascular resistance. The reflex increase in renal nerve activity and renal vascular tone during SMAO is modified and minimized by an activation of systemic baroreceptors.