Activation of human monocytes induces the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) through a prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-cAMP-dependent pathway. Since G-proteins have been documented to modulate adenylyl cyclase, we examined the effect of G-protein ADP-ribosylating agents, cholera toxin (CT) and pertussis toxin (PT), on the signal transduction pathway that culminates in the production of monocyte MMPs. Although CT elevated cAMP levels in both unstimulated and concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated monocytes, it enhanced the production of prostaglandin H synthase-2 (PGH synthase-2, PGHS-2) protein, prostaglandins, interstitial collagenase, and 92-kDa type IV collagenase/gelatinase only in Con A-stimulated monocytes. Additionally, the indomethacin-mediated suppression of Con A-induced monocyte interstitial collagenase and 92-kDa type IV collagenase/gelatinase production could be reversed by CT. In contrast to the actions of CT, PT treatment suppressed the levels of cAMP, PGHS-2, PGE2, interstitial and 92-kDa type IV collagenase/gelatinase in Con A-stimulated monocytes. The regulation of MMP production by these toxins appears to be mediated primarily through their effect on adenylyl cyclase since the release of arachidonic acid was relatively unaffected by these agents. These findings provide evidence that G-proteins may be involved in either the enhancement or suppression of the eicosanoid-cAMP-dependent signal transduction pathway that results in the production of monocyte MMPs.