Recently it was suggested that the endogenous adenosine might be the mediator for the intercellular communication in the regulation of tubuloglomerular feedback control and renin release. Even though the previous data showed more important regulatory roles in the renal hemodynamics and renin release for the A1 adenosine receptor, it has not yet been settled down about the functional subclassification of renal adenosine receptors. The purpose of the present experiment was to clarify the importance of the renal adenosine receptors for the regulations of the hemodynamic, excretory and secretory functions. Experiments have been done in unanesthetized rabbits. Intrarenal arterial infusion of A1 adenosine antagonist, 8-phenyltheophylline, 3 ~ 30 nmole/min, increased urine flow, renal hemodynamics and urinary excretion of sodium. Intrarenal arterial infusion of Al antagonist, 1-3-diethyl-8-phenylxanthine (DPX), 10 ~ 100 nmole/min, increased renal hemodynamics and excretory functions. Non-specific adenosine antagonist, theophylline, 30 ~ 300 nmole/min, resulted in dose dependent increases in renal hemodynamics and excretory function. All of the three adenosine antagonists for the increases in renal hemodynamics, excretory and secretory functions was 8-phenyltheophylline > DPX > theophylline. These results suggest that the endogenous adenosine is important for the intrinsic regulatory roles for the renal functions through the adenosine receptors, and that the A1 adenosine receptor is more important than the A2 receptor in the regulation of renal hemodynamics, excretory and renin secretory functions.