The role of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins (PG) in modifying renal hemodynamics was examined in clipped and nonclipped kidneys of unilateral renal artery stenosis. Chronic unilateral renal ischemia was established by 4-wk-clipping the left renal artery of canine kidneys, and renal interstitial nitrate+nitrite and PGE₂ contents were evaluated by the microdialysis technique. Unilateral renal artery stenosis caused 45 ± 1 and 73 ± 1% decrements in renal plasma flow (RPF) in moderately and severely clipped kidneys and 21 ± 3% decrements in nonclipped kidneys with severe stenosis. Renal nitrate+nitrite decreased in moderately (31 ± 1%) and severely clipped kidneys (63 ± 4%). N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester reduced RPF (56 ± 3%) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR; 54 ± 3%) in moderately clipped kidneys, whereas this inhibitory effect was abolished in severely clipped kidneys. In contrast, renal PGE₂ contents increased modestly in moderate clipping and were markedly elevated in severely clipped kidneys (from 111 ± 7 to 377 ± 22 pg/ml); sulpyrine impaired renal hemodynamics only in severely clipped kidneys. In contralateral nonclipped kidneys, although renal PGE₂ was not increased, sulpyrine reduced RPF (32 ± 1%) and GFR (33 ± 3%) in severe stenosis. Collectively, NO plays a substantial role in maintaining renal hemodynamics both under basal condition and in moderate renal artery stenosis, whereas the contributory role shifts from NO to PG as renal artery stenosis progresses. Furthermore, because intrarenal angiotensin II is reported to increase in nonclipped kidneys, unilateral severe ischemia may render the nonclipped kidney susceptible to PG inhibition.