This study evaluates the effects of low-doses i.v. fentanyl, buprenorphine and pentazocine on circulatory responses of endotracheal intubation in 70 scheduled surgical patients. Patients were allocated to 5 groups randomly and 2 (n = 11) or 4 (n = 13) micrograms.kg-1 of fentanyl, 0.5 mg.kg-1 of pentazocine (n = 13), 5 micrograms.kg-1 of buprenorphine (n = 10) and saline as a control (n = 23) were administered 5 minutes before the administration of thiopental, respectively. Then, patients were intubated with 0.1 mg.kg-1 of vecuronium. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. Only 4 micrograms.kg-1 of fentanyl diminished circulatory responses of systolic blood pressure on the stimuli of endotracheal intubation.