We investigated the effects of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), the fatty acid precursor to the monoenoic prostaglandins, on pulmonary mechanics in the intact chest, artificially ventilated dog. Under conditions of normal airway tone, intravenously administered DGLA produced a modest, dose-related increase in lung resistance and decrease in dynamic lung compliance. These responses were approximately 30-100 times less than those produced by arachidonic acid. The bronchoconstrictive responses to DGLA were abolished by prior inhibition of the cyclooxygenase with indomethacin. PGD1 was equal in activity to PGF1 alpha in causing constriction of central and peripheral airways of the dog. PGE1 was without significant airway effects in these animals under conditions of resting airway tone. We conclude that DGLA is a moderately good substrate for the cyclooxygenase pathway enzymes of the canine lung, producing products having a predominantly bronchoconstrictive effect. This bronchoconstriction is most likely due to the synthesis of PGD1 and PGF1 alpha and is not due to the synthesis of lipoxygenase pathway products.