Adenosine receptors on mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells were identified by functional criteria and radioligand binding. The stimulated release of beta-hexosaminidase from these cells was significantly augmented by the simultaneous addition of secretagogue and adenosine, NECA, or L-PIA. Similar enhancement of pre-formed mediator release occurred after a 10-min preincubation with adenosine. Resting mast cell cAMP levels increased within 15 sec after the addition of adenosine, and remained elevated for at least 60 sec. Although the antigen-or A23187-induced release of beta-hexosaminidase was markedly potentiated by exogenous adenosine, the stimulated release of [14C]-labeled arachidonic acid metabolites was minimally affected by adenosine, suggesting a differential effect of adenosine on granule-associated release as compared to generated mediator release. Bone marrow mast cells exhibited 5470 +/- 740 [3H]adenosine binding sites/cell, with a binding affinity of 24.4 +/- 3.8 nM. Cells cultured in the presence of 100 microM aminophylline for 6 days were hyperresponsive to exogenous adenosine, releasing a maximum of 162% of the amount of beta-hexosaminidase released from control cells in the presence of adenosine. The number of [3H]adenosine binding sites on the xanthine-treated cells increased to 156% of control values, suggesting an up-regulation of adenosine receptors induced by chronic exposure to an adenosine receptor antagonist. Mouse bone marrow mast cells possess functionally significant adenosine receptors that are regulated by aminophylline and that, when stimulated, produce many alterations in the mast cell secretory process.