Although interferon-gamma has been shown to effectively prime macrophages for enhanced production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha), it is reasonable to assume that other cytokines present in the extracellular environment may likewise facilitate cytokine biosynthesis. For example, interleukin-6 (IL-6) is synthesized by synovial lining macrophages and fibroblasts, and has been detected (along with TNF alpha) in rheumatoid synovial effusions. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine whether IL-6 influences the production of IL-1 beta and/or TNF alpha by THP-1 macrophages. Although IL-6 treatment alone resulted in only a slight increase in TNF alpha levels, administration of IL-6 followed by Sal. minnesota LPS resulted in a synergistic potentiation of TNF alpha production by THP-1 macrophages. The priming effect of IL-6 could be reversed by boiling, or by the addition of a neutralizing polyclonal antibody against IL-6. Notably, IL-6 only weakly enhanced interleukin-1 beta production. In summary, the ability of IL-6 to potentiate TNF alpha production by THP-1 macrophages may provide insight into the regulation of the cytokine network in inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.