Using stereological methods in vivo, we have investigated the rarefaction of arterioles and capillaries in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and the Wistar-Kyoto controls (WKY) at 6-8, 12-14, and 16-18 wk of age. Under chloralose-urethan anesthesia, the gracilis muscle was isolated for microscopic observation. Vessel length and surface area per unit volume of tissue (density) were determined during three consecutive states: innervation, denervation, and vasodilation with nitroprusside. Arteriolar wall-to-lumen ratio was measured after vasodilation. At 6-8 wk capillary density was reduced in the SHR. At 12-14 wk there was a reduction of arteriole and capillary density under innervated and denervated conditions but not after vasodilation (a state of functional rarefaction). At 16-18 wk there was a reduction of arteriolar and capillary density under all three conditions (a state of anatomical rarefaction). At 12-14 and 16-18 wk there was an elevated level of arteriolar vasoconstriction in the SHR that was masked in any one state by the closure of the smaller arterioles. Arteriolar wall-to-lumen ratio was not elevated in the SHR at any time. Arteriolar closure was not reversed by acute denervation.