The expression and regulation of seven human members of a family of related cytokines, which play a role as effectors of inflammation, were analysed in hemopoietic cells and in fibroblasts. In T lymphocytes all genes: platelet basic protein (PBP); platelet factor 4 (PF-4); IL-8/NAP-1; IP-10; GRO; pAT464 and pAT744 were induced by stimulation with phytohemagglutinin and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PHA/PMA). In contrast to T cells, only some of the genes were induced upon terminal differentiation of pro-monocytic cells and upon serum stimulation of resting fibroblasts. This distinct expression indicates functional differences of the individual proteins. The expression of inflammatory mediators in fibroblasts suggests the involvement of these cells in inflammatory reactions.