Inosine deriving from the metabolism of adenosine or inosine monophosphate (IMP) in the fibroblast provides the substrate for xanthine oxidase and is, therefore, an important source of toxic oxygen free radicals. With well-oxygenated medium, adenosine release appears to be greater for aged than young fibroblasts. In that the adenosine release by young cells is enhanced by reduced oxygenation, the effect anoxic stress on the release of the purine nucleosides adenosine and inosine by low-passage (PDL 23-26; young) vs. high-passage (PDL 43-51; aged) human lung fibroblasts (IMR-90) was studied. Cultures of confluent fibroblasts were incubated for 16 hr under normoxic (NF) or anoxic (AF) atmospheres. The release of adenosine and inosine was determined by HPLC at 0, 3, 6 and 24 hr after termination of the 16-hr period. Immediately following anoxia (time 0), adenosine release by young AF was 29% greater than for young NF, whereas both the youn