Prostaglandins are involved in force-induced orthodontic tooth movement. Bradykinin (BK) and thrombin are known to cause a significant time- and concentration-dependent burst of prostanoid biosynthesis in cultured human periodontal-ligament (PDL) cells. The aim now was to investigate interactive effects between interleukin 1 alpha, -beta (IL-1 alpha, -1 beta), tumour necrosis factor-alpha,-beta (TNF-alpha, -beta) and BK or thrombin on prostaglandin biosynthesis in human PDL cells. IL-1 alpha and -1 beta produced time- and concentration-dependent stimulation of prostanoid biosynthesis [prostaglandin (PG)E2 and 6-keto-PGF1alpha]. Synergistic stimulation of prostanoid biosynthesis was demonstrated when BK or thrombin were added together with IL-1 alpha or -1 beta. BK and IL-1 beta both significantly stimulated the release of [3H]arachidonic acid. No synergistic effect on [3H]arachidonic acid release was seen when BK and IL-1 beta were added simultaneously. These data suggest that the synergistic effect of BK and IL-1 beta on prostanoid biosynthesis is not due to interactions at the receptor level nor to enhanced release of arachidonic acid, but may be due to increased activity of cyclo-oxygenase. Also, TNF-alpha and -beta produced a concentration-dependent stimulation of PGE2 formation in cultured human PDL cells. Synergistic effects of BK and thrombin were demonstrated when PGE2 production was stimulated in combination with TNF-beta. In addition, a synergistic effect on the PGE2 response to IL-1 alpha or -1 beta was demonstrated when added in combination with TNF-alpha. These experiments demonstrate synergistic interactions between BK, thrombin, IL-1 and TNF on prostaglandin biosynthesis in cultured human PDL cells. The findings suggest that inflammatory mediators may act in concert in stimulating prostanoid production in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli. As an inflammatory reaction is seen in the periodontal ligament when teeth are orthodontically treated, this synergistic interaction may be of importance in force-induced tooth movement.