Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are multifunctional cytokines produced by a number of cells in response to endotoxin. We have previously demonstrated (M.-F. Tsan, J. E. White, T. A. Santana, and C. Y. Lee. J. Appl. Physiol. 68: 1211-1219, 1990, and M.-F. Tsan, C. Y. Lee, and J. E. White. J. Appl. Physiol. 71: 688-697, 1991) that tracheal insufflation of 5 micrograms of TNF-alpha or 1 microgram of IL-1 markedly protects rats against O2 toxicity and enhances pulmonary Mn superoxide dismutase (Mn SOD) activity. We now report that TNF-alpha and IL-1 at subprotective doses, e.g., 1 and 0.2 micrograms, respectively, act synergistically in protecting rats against O2 toxicity. Likewise, TNF-alpha and IL-1 at 0.005 microgram/ml each act synergistically in enhancing endothelial cell Mn SOD, but not Cu,Zn SOD mRNA levels. IL-6 at 5 or 10 micrograms provides no protective effect in rats against O2 toxicity and at up to 0.5 microgram/ml has no apparent effect on endothelial cell Mn or Cu,Zn SOD mRNA levels. However, IL-6 markedly enhances TNF-alpha- and IL-1-induced increases in Mn SOD mRNA levels and O2 tolerance. These results support an important role of Mn SOD in the protection against O2 toxicity.