Alkylxanthine drugs, such as theophylline, block adenosine receptors, inhibit phosphodiesterases and other enzymes, and cause the release of calcium from intracellular stores. Adenosine receptor blockade occurs at low micromolar concentrations of the drugs, while other effects occur in the millimolar concentration range. The effects of theophylline were tested on spontaneous transmitter release at the frog cutaneous-pectoris neuromuscular junction (NMJ). A change in the frequency, but not the amplitude, of miniature endplate potentials (mepps) was interpreted as a change in spontaneous transmitter release. In normal Ringer's, theophylline, at concentrations of 100 microM and 1 mM, theophylline had no consistent effect on spontaneous release. In contrast, theophylline produced dual effects on mepp frequency in hyperosmotic Ringer's. At 10 microM, theophylline depressed mepp frequency, while, at 100 microM and 1 mM, theophylline increased mepp rate. Since low micromolar concentrations of theophylline depressed spontaneous transmitter release, this action may result from adenosine receptor blockade and inhibition of a tonic, stimulatory effect of adenosine. This hypothesis was supported by the following experimental results: (1) Micromolar concentrations of theophylline reversed the effects of applied adenosine on neuromuscular transmission. (2) The inhibitory effect of theophylline was mimicked by 2 other alkylxanthines, 8-phenyltheophylline and 8-p-sulfophenyltheophylline. These drugs may be more specific adenosine receptor antagonists than theophylline. (3) The inhibitory effect of theophylline was mimicked by adenosine deaminase, an enzyme that breaks down and inactivates adenosine. (4) The depressant action of theophylline was masked by the addition of adenosine deaminase to the hyperosmotic Ringer's. Application of adenosine to the frog NMJ reduces spontaneous transmitter output.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)