Catecholamines are known to decrease short-circuit current (Isc), stimulate NaCl absorption, and inhibit HCO3 secretion in rabbit ileal mucosa in vitro. These effects appear to be mediated by alpha-adrenergic receptors because they are partially blocked by phentolamine and not by propranolol. To further characterize this receptor system, we determined the interactions of epinephrine (Epi) with alpha-subtype-selective antagonists. Prazosin (PZ), a specific alpha 1-antagonist, did not alter the Epi dose-response curve at concentrations up to 10(-5) M. Yohimbine (YO), a specific alpha 2-antagonist, completely inhibited the Epi effect on Isc. At 10(-5) M, YO increased by 70-fold the concentration of Epi required to produce a half-maximal effect (ED50; from 1.4 X 10(-7) M to 10(-5) M). YO and PZ by themselves had no significant effect on Isc in concentrations up to 10(-5) M. Clonidine, a specific alpha 2-agonist, decreased Isc with an ED50 similar to that of Epi; its effect was blocked by YO but not by PZ. Two alpha 1-selective agonists, methoxamine and phenylephrine, only caused a decrease in Isc in doses greater than 10(-5) M. This effect was reversed by YO but not by PZ. The effects of YO and PZ on Epi-modified Cl fluxes were also determined. YO completely aborted the effects of Epi on net Cl flux. No significant effects were seen with PZ. We conclude that the effects of Epi on ileal ion transport are mediated by a specific alpha 2-adrenergic receptor present in ileal mucosa and that no physiologic alpha 1-receptor function can be demonstrated.