The reaction of isolated helical strips of rat aorta to X-irradiation was studied: X-rays (50 kV) induced a reproducible, reversible contractile response at threshold doses of 2.5 Gy (60 Gy/min) and 10 Gy (30 Gy/min). After repeated irradiation with the same doses at equal time intervals and constant dose-rate (for example 50 Gy every 15 min, dose-rate 60 Gy/min) the contractile response was progressively diminished, i.e. a tachyphylaxis appeared. The preparations still reacted even after total doses over 1000 Gy. The X-ray induced contractile responses were dose- and dose-rate dependent. Quantitative analysis indicated no essential differences in the radiation-induced contractile response when recorded under isometric or isotonic conditions. After hypothermia (20°C) or hyperthermia (42°C) no visible radiation response could be induced. Part of the aortic strips were spontaneously active: X-ray doses of 5 to 10 Gy stimulated, while doses of 100 to 200 Gy inhibited or blocked the spontaneous phasic activity. A comparison between the immediate X-ray reaction of vascular and non-vascular smooth muscle preparations is given. Participation of cholinergic and adrenergic mechanisms in the X-ray induced contractions of rat aorta seems to be ruled out, because the blocking agents atropine, phentolamine, and bretylium had no effect.