In this study we examined the effects of classic second messenger molecules on renin secretion and renin synthesis in primary cultures of mouse renal juxtaglomerular (JG) cells. Stimulation of cAMP formation by forskolin, inhibition of calmodulin by calmidazolium, and inhibition of Na+/H+ exchange by ethylisopropylamiloride enhanced renin secretion. Raising of intracellular cGMP by 8-bromo-cGMP and activation of protein kinase C by phorbol ester led to an inhibition of secretion. Renin synthesis was stimulated by forskolin. Calmidazolium, EIPA, 8-bromo-cGMP, and phorbol ester were without effect on basal renin synthesis. The data suggest that renin secretion is influenced by a number of transmembrane transduction systems which in their majority exert a negative control on renin secretion. Activation of adenylate cyclase appears to be a stimulatory control mechanism for both the secretion and the synthesis of renin. The findings suggest, moreover, that the second messenger controls of renin secretion and renin synthesis are not strictly linked in renal JG cells.