The major regulatory factors in the mesenteric circulation include general hemodynamic forces, the autonomic nervous system, circulating vasoactive substances, tissue metabolites and intrinsic characteristics of vascular smooth muscle. During mesenteric ischemic states smooth muscle spasm elevates resistance to blood flow and aggravates intestinal tissue hypoxia leading to mucosal necrosis. Close intraarterial infusion of potent vasodilator drugs holds the promise of reversing intestinal ischemia and preserving viability of the gut.