Expression of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) gene is stimulated by gonadotropins in granulosa cells. Because adrenergic agents interact with specific granulosa cell receptors to increase progesterone biosynthesis, the effects of these pounds on tPA activity and mRNA levels were also investigated. Cells obtained from immature estrogen-treated rats were initially cultured with FSH or medium alone for 2 days. They were then reincubated with various adrenergic agents before measurement of medium tPA activity using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by a fibrin overlay technique. In addition, cellular RNA was extracted, and tPA mRNA levels were analyzed using a specific rat cRNA probe. Isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic agonist, stimulated the secretion of tPA activity in a dose-dependent manner, with FSH-pretreated cells secreting higher levels of the enzyme than cells without FSH priming. Northern blot hybridization of total RNA showed the accumulation of a 22S species tPA message in cells treated with isoproterenol, suggesting increased expression of the tPA gene. Furthermore, slot blot hybridization of RNA from these cells indicated a time-dependent increase in tPA mRNA, with maximal induction between 1-3 h of incubation. A selective beta 2-adrenergic agonist, terbutaline, but not the beta 1-agonist dobutamine, stimulated tPA activity. Also, the stimulatory effect of isoproterenol was blocked by a beta 2-antagonist (ICI-118,551) but not by a beta 1-antagonist (practolol), suggesting the involvement of a beta 2-receptor. Like FSH and LH, isoproterenol increased extra- and intracellular cAMP levels. Cotreatment of a saturating dose of isoproterenol with FSH or LH did not further stimulate tPA activity. Similar to that in cells treated with FSH, inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide resulted in the superinduction of tPA mRNA in isoproterenol-treated cells. Thus, activation of beta 2-adrenergic receptors in granulosa cells induces tPA mRNA and activity, presumably through the protein kinase-A pathway shared by gonadotropins. Adrenergic neurotransmitters may be potential intraovarian regulators of this important protease.