The regulation of the furosemide-sensitive Na+-ATPase activity and ouabain-sensitive (Na+ + K+)ATPase activities from proximal tubules by adenosine was investigated. When the concentration of adenosine was increased the furosemide-sensitive ATPase activity decreased with maximal inhibition at 10(-8) M (56% of inhibition). However, the (Na+ + K+)ATPase activity was not affected by adenosine. Theophylline, an antagonist of P1 adenosine receptor, completely reversed the effect of adenosine on the furosemide-sensitive ATPase activity in a dose-response manner. The adenosine effect was mimicked by N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), an agonist for A1 adenosine receptor. 5'-N-ethylcarboxamideadenosine (NECA), an agonist for A2 adenosine receptor, did not affect the furosemide-sensitive ATPase activity. When adenosine was used in the presence of 1 microg ml(-1) pertussis toxin, a Gi protein inhibitor, no change in the furosemide-sensitive ATPase activity was observed. The addition of 1 nM cholera toxin increased the Na+-ATPase activity by 60%. Adenosine decreased the cholera toxin stimulated Na+-ATPase in 42%, similar to the effect observed in the absence of cholera toxin. Dibutyryl-cAMP reversed the effect of adenosine in a dose dependent manner while the protein kinase A peptide inhibitor mimicked it. These data are compatible with a modulatory effect of adenosine on the Na+-ATPase activity via A1 subtype receptor.