The aim of this study was to define the contribution of renal beta(2)-adrenoceptor (beta(2)-AR) system to regulation of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) transport system in the kidney of endotoxin-induced septic rats. Seven-week-old Wistar rats (n = 6/groups) pre-treated with the beta(2)-AR antagonist (ICI118,551: 3.14 microg/kg) or saline were injected with LPS (10 mg/kg i.p.) or saline, and then 24 hours later, renal function, beta(2)-AR signaling proteins, innate immune proteins, and cytokines were assayed. The injection of LPS depressed creatinine clearance rate (Ccr) associated with the reduction of renal Gsalpha and cAMP levels by a single dose of ICI118,551. On the other hand, renal CD14, toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha protein expressions were significantly increased (P < 0.05) by the combination of LPS and ICI118,551. The reduction of Ccr by LPS plus ICI118,551 suggests a possibility that renal specific up-regulation of the CD14-TLR4-TNF-alpha signaling cascade by beta(2)-AR inhibition might be involved in sepsis-induced ARF.