The effects of the adenosine analogues, 5'-N-ethyl-carboxamide adenosine (NECA), R-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA), 2-chloroadenosine (CADO), and CGS 21680C on electrically evoked tritium outflow from preparations loaded with [3H]-choline and on evoked endplate potentials (e.p.ps), as well as the ability of the xanthines, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) and PD 115,199 to antagonize the effects of the adenosine analogues, were investigated in phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations. 2. NECA, R-PIA and CADO decreased, in a concentration-dependent manner, the evoked tritium outflow from preparations loaded with [3H]-choline. NECA and R-PIA were about equipotent and more potent than CADO. 3. DPCPX shifted to the right in a near parallel fashion the concentration-response curve for the inhibitory effect of R-PIA on evoked tritium outflow. 4. In the presence of DPCPX, NECA increased, rather than decreased, evoked tritium outflow. PD 115,119 antagonized, in a concentration-dependent manner, this excitatory effect of NECA. 5. CGS 21680C, in low nanomolar concentrations, increased evoked tritium outflow, an effect also antagonized by PD 115,119. 6. CGS 21680C increased, and R-PIA decreased, the amplitude of e.p.ps recorded from preparations paralysed with tubocurarine. Both effects could be observed in the same endplate. 7. It is concluded that both inhibitory (probably A1) and excitatory (probably A2) adenosine receptors coexist at the rat neuromuscular junction, modulating the evoked release of acetylcholine.
