alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonists, such as clonidine, attenuate hypoxia-induced damage to brain and retinal neurones by a mechanism of action which likely involves stimulation of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. In addition, the neuroprotective effect of alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonists in the retina may involve stimulation of bFGF production. The purpose of this study was to examine more thoroughly the neuroprotective properties of clonidine. In particular, studies were designed to ascertain whether clonidine acts as a free radical scavenger. It is thought that betaxolol, a beta(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist, acts as a neuroprotective agent by interacting with sodium and L-type calcium channels to reduce the influx of these ions into stressed neurones. Studies were therefore undertaken to determine whether clonidine has similar properties. In addition, studies were undertaken to determine whether i.p. injections of clonidine or betaxolol affect retinal bFGF mRNA levels. In vitro data were generally in agreement that clonidine and bFGF counteracted the effect of NMDA as would occur in hypoxia. No evidence could be found that clonidine interacts with sodium or L-type calcium channels, reduces calcium influx into neurones or acts as a free radical scavenger at concentrations below 100 microM. Moreover, i.p. injection of clonidine, but not betaxolol, elevated bFGF mRNA levels in the retina. The conclusion from this study is that the neuroprotective properties of alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonists, like clonidine, are very different from betaxolol. The fact that both betaxolol and clonidine blunt hypoxia-induced death to retinal ganglion cells suggests that combining the two drugs may be a way forward to producing more effective neuroprotection.