The effects of adenosine on the voltage-sensitive delayed-rectifier Kq I. currents and hyperpolarization-activated cationic inward K current Ih. were studied in cultured frog melanotrophs using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. The A1 receptor agonist R-N6-phenylisopropyl-adenosine R-PIA; 50 mM. reversibly increased I. Perfusion of dibutyryl-cAMP 1 mM. in the external K solution did not modify the R-PIA-induced enhancement of IK. Pretreatment of melanotrophs with pertussis toxin 1 mgrml; 12 h.totally abolished the R-PIA-evoked response. Application of hyperpolarizing voltage pulses from y60 to y120 mV to melanotrophs induced a two-component inward current corresponding to an I-like conductance. This conductance was characterized by a high Kq hselectivity and a low Naq permeability and was resistant to etrodotoxin 1 mM.. R-PIA had no effect on I. The present study hdemonstrates that in frog melanotrophs adenosine inhibits the electrical activity by activating IK through an A1 receptor subtype coupled to a pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway independent of the cAMPrPKA system. This study also demonstrates the existence of a Ih conductance in frog melanotrophs which is not modulated by A1 receptors. q1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.