Bradykinin as an inflammatory mediator was assayed for its ability to release cytokines from isolated lung tissue derived from guinea pigs, mice and in some cases from patients. Bradykinin elicited in concentrations, which were able to induce a contraction of isolated lung strips, a secretion of different cytokines from the tissue into organ baths as well as from lung tissue incubated in petri dishes (4h, 37 degrees C). Using enzyme immuno assays and the tanned erythrocyte electrophoretic mobility (TEEM)-test in combination with monoclonal antibodies the cytokines could be identified preferably as interleukin(IL)-1, IL-2, sIL-2R and IL-6. Tyrode solution as a control and carbachol in a concentration causing also a contraction were not able to release cytokines in a significant amount. The bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist icatebant (HOE 140) inhibited the bradykinin-induced IL-2 and IL-6 release. The results show that bradykinin can elicit the secretion of the cytokine cascade via a receptor-mediated process.