Since the discovery over 20 years ago that adenosine inhibits renin release, our knowledge of the biochemistry, cell biology, and renal physiology of adenosine has expanded enormously. Despite this rapid accumulation of knowledge, an integrated view of the role of adenosine in renin release was lacking. It is my hope that the model of renin release presented in this review--although perhaps incorrect in some details--provides a consolidated, and therefore useful, perspective on the role of adenosine as a regulator of renin release.