Human serum immunoglobulin G light chain (Fr.I-L), which was reduced and carboxamide-methylated, showed no effect on formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP)-induced chemotaxis nor on phagocytosis of yeasts when directly added to guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). However, intravenously administered Fr.I-L inhibited emigration of leukocytes into the peritoneal cavity and promoted phagocytosis of yeasts in a yeast-induced peritonitis model in mice. Moreover, Fr.I-L reduced FMLP-induced chemiluminescence (CL) from PMNs. These facts indicated that the anti-inflammatory action of Fr.I-L was caused by inhibiting emigration of leukocytes into the injured site and scavenging superoxide radicals from the cells.