1. In published studies of the effects of acute blood loss in conscious rabbits, the rates of haemorrhage have ranged for 3-9% of blood volume/min. This is potentially a confounding factor when it comes to comparing the results of different studies. We have therefore tested whether the haemodynamic response to acute central hypovolaemia depends on the rate of fall of cardiac output. 2. Cardiac output in six conscious rabbits was reduced by 4, 8 and 12% of baseline levels per min by gradual inflation of a cuff around the thoracic inferior vena cava. These rates correspond approximately to blood loss at rates of 3, 6 and 9% of blood volume/min. 3. The haemodynamic responses were biphasic. In Phase I (compensatory) there was progressive systemic vasoconstriction and tachycardia, and only a small fall in blood pressure. In Phase II (decompensatory), systemic vasoconstriction failed abruptly, arterial pressure plummeted and heart rate declined. 4. We could detect no effect of rate of fall of cardiac output on the pattern of the haemodynamic responses in either Phase I or Phase II. 5. We conclude that the rate of blood loss in different studies of haemorrhage in conscious rabbits, within the range 3 to 9 per cent of blood volume per minute, need not be regarded as a confounding factor when it comes to interpreting the results. It is likely that this conclusion can be generalized to studies of haemorrhage in other mammalian species.