Sialidase, fucoidin and a peptide corresponding to most of lipocortin 1 N-terminus, termed LC1-(Ac2-26)-peptide, induced an intense 2 h neutrophilia whereas a monoclonal antibody to murine CD11b induced an effect by 1 h. The neutropenic response stimulated by platelet-activating factor (PAF) was significantly reduced in the presence of sialidase, fucoidin, LC1-(Ac2-26)-peptide and monoclonal antibody anti-CD11b. Neutrophil migration into a 6-day-old mouse air-pouch induced by interleukin-1 was inhibited by all the pharmacological agents. In vitro, PAF up-regulated CD11b expression on the neutrophil surface but neither human or mouse LC1-(Ac2-26)-peptide inhibited this response. CD11b up-regulation on neutrophils occurred after PAF administration in vivo and was maximal at 2 min. LC1-(Ac2-26)-peptide mimics the action of agents interfering with leucocyte rolling and adhesion in vivo, however, does not inhibit CD11b up-regulation in vitro suggesting other phenomena are important in the activity of this peptide.