Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a potent hepatocarcinogen, is known to impair specific and non-specific immune responses. AFB1 mainly decreases lymphocyte functions and may also affect macrophages assisting lymphocyte functions. Macrophages play an important role in a host defense against tumors and bacteria. Furthermore, some macrophage products, including nitric oxide (NO), may be involved in cytotoxicity. The effect of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was investigated on NO production from murine peritoneal macrophages. Macrophages were pretreated with AFB1 for 24 h and then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h. AFB1 at 10 or 50 microM reduced the production of NO. Compared to vehicle control, there was a greater reduction of NO production with increased AFB1 pretreatment and LPS stimulation. AFB1 at 10 or 50 microM decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity about 24% and 28%, respectively, after stimulation with 1 microg/ml LPS and about 12% and 24%, respectively, after stimulation with 10 microg/ml LPS. AFB1 pretreatment also decreased the synthesis of iNOS protein and the mRNA of macrophages. Taken together, these results suggest that AFB1 pretreatment reduces NO production from murine peritoneal macrophages stimulated by LPS, which is mediated by the reduction of iNOS activity, mRNA, and protein.