Adrenergic response to exercise and the relationships between plasma catecholamines and blood energetic substrates were studied in sedentary men after 15 h of fasting. Subjects pedaled a bicycle ergometer until exhaustion at a work load approximating 80% maximal oxygen consumption. Working ability was diminished by the fast (P less than 0.025). Resting plasma norepinephrine level was increased by fasting. During exercise plasma epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) concentrations were more elevated in fasting subjects than in fed subjects. Plasma catecholamine (CA) levels in fasting men correlated with blood glucose, blood lactate, and plasma glycerol concentrations. There was no significative correlation between CA and plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels. The increased adrenergic activity in fasting subjects correlated with reduced endurance time. This study emphasizes the role of CA release, probably combined with other hormonal factors, in the mobilization of energy substrates during submaximal exercise.