Adenosine A(1) receptor antagonists have been used effectively as potassium-sparing and renal-function-protective diuretics in new studies. In addition, the role of adenosine--acting through adenosine A(1) receptors--in renal autoregulation has been clarified. Finally, the application of adenosine receptor antagonists has been implicated in protection from acute renal failure associated with radiocontrast media treatment.