Neutral hydrogen in elliptical galaxies with nuclear radio sources and optical emission lines

We have made an H I detection survey of 11 elliptical galaxies with powerful nuclear radio sources, using the 305 m antenna of Arecibo Observatory, to test the hypothesis that large H I mass is conducive to the formation of nuclear radio sources in elliptical galaxies. H I was detected in emission in UGC 09114 and was possibly detected in absorption in UGC 06671. Observations of the remaining galaxies were not sensitive enough to support or refute the hypothesis. We have combined our data with data from other H I surveys and spectroscopic surveys to search for correlations of H I mass with other galactic properties and environmental conditions. We find strong correlations of [O II] lambda3727 emission with H I content and with nuclear radio power. The latter two properties may simply indicate, respectively, whether a significant amount of gas is available to be ionized and whether energy is provided by nuclear activity for ionization. We find no dependence of H I content on optical luminosity or on degree of isolation from other galaxies. Subject headings: interstellar: matter: radio sources: galaxies: radio sources: 21 cm radiation