Using the discriminant analysis method, we completely distinguished 24 calmodulin inhibitors in three groups, as classified by Zimmer et al. The resultant discriminant functions distinguished the three groups in terms of positive potential surface area on the side chain, as well as the total and neutral surface areas on the ring in the inhibitor molecules. Group assignment of additional calmodulin inhibitors from other sources was then estimated according to the discriminant functions. The relationship between structure and inhibitory potency on calmodulin-activated phosphodiesterase for group I inhibitors, together with those estimated, was studied using the adaptive least squares method with several parameters dependent on molecular conformations. A "best conformer" was selected for each inhibitor on the basis of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR). The results of QSAR analysis of group I inhibitors showed that hydrophobicity was important for the ring moiety but not for the side chain. The negative potential surface area of the side chain is necessary for activity. It is desirable for the nitrogen atom in the side chain, which is considered the center of the negative potential area, to be located far from the ring moiety. Thus, the ring moiety and side chain may possibly play different roles in interactions with the receptor system.