The muscular activity of the sea urchin pluteus is affected by catecholamines. alpha-Agonists in high concentrations bring about a strong, temporary, stimulation. 2. The stimulation by beta-agonists tends to be masked by different mechanisms. 3. Serotonin brings about a strong stimulation of long duration, even at 10(-7) M. It reactivates larvae where the activity has declined after exposure to catecholamines. A dopamine-effect at 10(-5)-5 x 10(-6) M is similar to that of serotonin. The effect of adenosine is similar to that of dc-c-AMP. 4. The action of the alpha- and beta-agonists and adenosine appears to involve an increased respectively excessive Ca2(+)-influx, directly or indirectly mediated by c-AMP. 5. It is suggested that a strong Ca2(+)-influx induces an outflux of K+ leading to hyperpolarization. Serotonin may decrease the K(+)-outflux.