To investigate the effects of musk-1, a glucoprotein component isolated from the water extract of musk, on the release of superoxide anion as well as beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme of rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes activated by fMLP. An in vitro incubation system with rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes was used. Superoxide anion production was determined by cytochrome C reduction. beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme release was quantitated by enzyme reactions in which phenolphthaleinglucuronic acid and micrococcus lysodeikticus were as the substrates, respectively. In comparison with control, musk-1 at final concentrations of 1-100 micrograms/ml can increase superoxide anion production by 23.0%-83.6% and decrease beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme release by 7%-47% and 9%-22%, respectively, in rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes. It is concluded that Musk-1 can significantly affect the functions of rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Therefore, inhibition of lysosomal enzyme release might be considered as one of the mechanisms of anti-inflammatory role of musk.