The influence of verapamil on stress- or bethanechol-induced gastric effects was investigated in rats. Intraperitoneally injected verapamil (1, 2 or 4 mg/kg), given 30 min beforehand, dose-dependently prevented gastric glandular ulceration, mast cell degranulation and the increased stomach wall contractions evoked by restraint at 4 degrees C for 1 h. Gastric acid secretion, as well as ulceration in both the forestomach and glandular segment, produced by subcutaneously-injected bethanechol (3.2 mg/kg) were also inhibited. It is concluded that decreased amine release from the mast cells, stomach wall relaxation and reduced gastric acid were responsible for the ulcer-antagonising effects of the calcium-entry blocker. The possible antiulcer actions of verapamil are discussed in the light of present knowledge regarding calcium involvement in the various mechanisms thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of stress ulceration in rat stomachs.