The effect of amitraz on heart rate (HR) and mean aortic blood pressure (MAP) were studied in five conscious male dogs. An iv injection of amitraz (1 mg/kg) caused a decrease in HR, which was accompanied by sinus arrhythmia for at least 60 min. Administration of amitraz also caused an increase in MAP for 20 min. Atropine sulfate (0.045 mg/kg, iv) increased HR and prevented amitraz-induced bradycardia. In addition, atropine potentiated amitraz-induced hypertension for 45 min. Yohimbine, an alpha 2-adrenoreceptor antagonist, given iv at 0.1 mg/kg, prevented hypertension, bradycardia, and sinus arrhythmia induced by amitraz. Tolazoline, a nonselective alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonist, given iv at 5 mg/kg, reduced the bradycardia and sinus arrhythmia caused by amitraz administration but did not change amitraz-induced hypertension. Tolazoline alone also increased both HR and MAP. Prazosin, an alpha 1-adrenoreceptor antagonist, given iv at 1 mg/kg, did not affect the cardiovascular actions of amitraz. The results suggest that (1) alpha 2-adrenoreceptors mediate amitraz-induced bradycardia and hypertension, and (2) yohimbine, but not atropine, can be used to control the untoward reactions of amitraz.