To determine the relation between cGMP and ion reabsorption in rat medullary thick ascending limb of Henle s loop (mTALH) the effects of loop diuretics, furosemide and ethacrynic acid, on the guanylate cyclase of rat mTALH were investigated. The interactions between loop diuretics and cyclooxygenase inhibitors, aspirin and indomethacin, on guanylate cyclase of rat mTALH were also investigated. Furosemide and ethacrynic acid increased guanylate cyclase activity and these effects were not inhibited by aspirin or indomethacin. Arachidonic acid potentiated the stimulatory effect of furosemide on guanylate cyclase. These results suggest that furosemide and ethacrynic acid activate guanylate cyclase directly, and in addition, furosemide affects indirectly via prostaglandin. The reabsorption of sodium chloride may be, at least partially, controlled by cGMP in mTALH.