1. In isolated segments of rat duodenum, adenosine (50 microM-2 mM) caused a very rapid and short-lasting relaxation that was associated with a marked decrease in the amplitude of spontaneous contractions. 2. Theophylline (0.1-0.8 mM) and 8-phenyltheophylline (1-10 microM) antagonized, in a concentration-dependent manner, the effects of 0.3 mM adenosine on smooth muscle tension and spontaneous activity. 3. The concentration-response curves for adenosine (50 microM-2 mM) were progressively shifted to the right by increasing concentrations of theophylline and of 8-phenyltheophylline, with no change in the maximum effect. 4. 8-Phenyltheophylline (5 microM) did not affect relaxations induced by noradrenaline (0.5 microM) and by isoprenaline (5 nM). 5. These results indicate that the effects exerted by adenosine on rat duodenum are mediated by P1-purinoreceptors.