The objective of this study is to investigate the direct effects of green tea catechins(GTC) on vascular smooth muscle tension and ^(46)Ca^(2+) uptake in rat aorta. The methods used in this study are isometric tension measurements using physiograph, Lanthanum method for ^(46)Cac^(2+) (2 uCi/ml) uptake measurement in rat aorta. GTC modified tension induced by 40 mM KCl or 1 uM norepinephrine in rat aorta. Low concentrations of GTC($lt;0.5 mg/m increased tension by 40 mM KCl or 1 tM norepinephrine, individually. However, high concentrations of GTC($gt; 0.5 mg/ml) inhibited tension by 40 mM KCl or 1 uM norepinephrine, individually. GTC increased ^(45)Ca uptake induced by 40 mM KCl in a dose-dependent manner. From these results, GTC has the dual actions in vascular smooth muscle in vitro. Low concentrations of GTC augments tension by K or norepinephrine. However, high concentrations of GTC inhibits tension by K or norpeinephrine. GTC may have Ca^(2+) channel activation action, which may result in unphysiological vasodilation by Ca^(2+) overload in vascular smooth muscle.