The induction of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein mRNA by recombinant murine interleukin-1, recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha, and recombinant human interleukin-1 beta has been studied in the rat hepatoma cell line Fao. Whereas the stimulatory capacities of recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha and recombinant murine interleukin-1 were almost identical, the concentrations of recombinant human interleukin-1 beta needed for half-maximal induction of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein mRNA were lower by three orders of magnitude. A 60-fold increase in alpha 1-acid glycoprotein mRNA levels was observed 18 h after the addition of recombinant interleukin-1 beta. In parallel albumin mRNA levels decreased to about 30%. The alpha 1-acid glycoprotein mRNA induction was strictly dependent on the presence of dexamethasone. For a full stimulation dexamethasone concentrations of greater than 10(-7) M were needed, whereas concentrations of less than 10(-12) M were ineffective. The increase in alpha 1-acid glycoprotein mRNA after recombinant human interleukin-1 beta was followed by a 36-fold stimulation in alpha 1-acid glycoprotein synthesis and secretion. When protein synthesis was blocked by either cycloheximide, puromycin, or emetine, the induction of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein mRNA by recombinant human interleukin-1 beta was impaired suggesting the involvement of a short-lived protein in the induction of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein mRNA.