The F1 progeny of a cross between 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) tumor promotion-sensitive SSIN mice and TPA promotion-resistant C57BL/6J mice were found to be sensitive to TPA as a tumor promoter. The tumor response was substantial, with an average of 15 papillomas per mouse and a 100% incidence following initiation with 400 nmol dimethylbenz[a]anthracene and promotion with 6.5 nmol (4 micrograms) TPA. To determine whether tumor promotability of the F1 mice correlates with other parameters believed to be associated with TPA responsiveness, oxidant generation, epidermal hyperplasia and edema were compared in the parents and F1 hybrids. The SSIN produced a strong hyperplastic response to TPA, the C57BL/6J a negligible response and the F1 hybrids a moderate response. In the SSIN, 6.5 nmol (4 micrograms) TPA caused an 18% increase in the water content of the skin (edema) while no change was seen for either the C57BL/6J or F1 hybrids. The oxidant response of the F1 hybrids to either TPA or phospholipase C was markedly less than that observed for the SSIN and was similar to the response previously observed for the C57BL/6J mice. These findings suggest that the oxidant response may not be an essential aspect of TPA tumor promotion. It may be related to the edema response, suggesting that at least this aspect of inflammation is not necessary for promotion.