1. There are several endogenous ligands that bind to I-receptors of both the I1 and I2 subclass. These include: (a) classic CDS, a partially purified entity isolated by the criteria that it displaces binding ligands to alpha 2- and I-receptors; (b) immunoreactive (ir)-CDS, a moiety that binds to antibodies raised against clonidine, para-amino-clonidine, or idazoxan; and (c) agmatine. 2. Classic-CDS, not yet defined structurally, binds to I1, I2, and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors, is neither a peptide nor a catecholamine, and has purportedly a molecular weight of 588 Da. By ligand binding assays, it was found in brain, serum, CSF, and placenta and in a neural-glial cell line. Partially purified classic CDS is bioactive. Like clonidine, it contracts aorta and vas deferens and inhibits platelet aggregation, effects largely attributable to agonism at alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. Unlike clonidine, it contracts rat gastric fundus and releases catecholamines from chromaffin cells, effects attributable to actions at I-receptors. Injected into the RVL, classic CDS alters arterial pressure, but the direction of change of pressure has differed between groups of investigators. However, in the absence of structure, it is possible that ligand binding and bioactivity may be attributable to different molecules. 3. Ir-CDS, also of unknown structure, is a material(s) that binds to antibodies raised against clonidine, PAC, or idazoxan. Ir-CDS, measured by radioimmunoassay, is unevenly distributed in brain with highest concentrations in the hypothalamus, midbrain, and dorsal medulla. It is contained in the gastric fundus, adrenal gland, heart, kidney, and serum in amounts substantially higher than found in brain. Ir-CDS may be elevated in the serum of some patients with hypertension and in the CSF of patients with structural brain disease. The concentration of ir-CDS and bioactivity on gastric fundus directly correlates, suggesting that it may share similarities with classic-CDS. However, until the structure of classic and ir-CDS is determined, the possibility that ligand binding and antibody recognition are properties of different molecules must be considered. 4. Agmatine (decarboxylated arginine) is the only endogenous molecule that, like CDS, binds to alpha 2- and I-receptors of both classes. It and its biosynthetic enzyme arginine decarboxylase are present in brain, and agmatine is widely distributed throughout the body. However, the distribution of agmatine and ir-CDS differs, whereas the biological actions of agmatine do not mimic those of classic CDS. Its presence raises the possibility of an alternative pathway for polyamine biosynthesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)