We compared DNA replication, protein biosynthesis, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity in Rat 1 fibroblasts stably expressing either the alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptor (AR) or alpha(1D)-AR subtypes. Activation of both the alpha(1B)-AR and alpha(1D)-AR inhibited DNA synthesis (as assessed by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation). In contrast, both receptors stimulated protein biosynthesis (as measured by [(35)S]methionine incorporation) and activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2. Importantly, these responses were agonist-dependent for the alpha(1B)-AR, but were agonist-independent for the alpha(1D)-AR. Agonist activation of the alpha(1B)-AR resulted in increased p38 kinase activity, but not c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) activity, whereas the alpha(1D)-AR activated JNK but not p38 kinase. Unlike ERK1/2, JNK activity was increased by agonist treatment in the alpha(1D)-AR cells. An ERK1/2-pathway inhibitor PD98059 had no effect on phenylephrine-mediated inhibition of DNA synthesis in either cell line but blocked protein biosynthesis mediated by both receptors. The p38 kinase inhibitor SB203580 blocked alpha(1B)-AR effects on [(3)H]thymidine and [(35)S]methionine incorporation in alpha(1B)-AR-expressing cells, but had no effect on alpha(1D)-AR-mediated growth responses, consistent with the inability of the alpha(1D)-AR to activate p38 kinase. Therefore, alpha(1B)- and alpha(1D)-ARs mediated similar growth responses but differ with respect to the MAPK family member involved and the requirement for agonist.