The evolution of acute inflammation from initiation through resolution is associated with the changing character of the infiltrating leukocytes. Recruitment of these leukocytes is dependent upon the generation of chemotactic factors that have either global or specific activity for a particular leukocyte. In this manuscript we present data demonstrating that human neutrophils can express mRNA for neutrophil chemotactic factor/interleukin 8 (IL-8), but fail to express mRNA for monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1). The expression of IL-8 was observed upon adherence or in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. Maximal IL-8 antigenic production was noted at 24 hrs. These studies demonstrate a disparate expression of chemotactic cytokines by neutrophils.