The effects of binary combinations of the recombinant human cytokines, interleukin-lp (rHuIL-lP), tumor necrosis factor a (rHuTNFa), and y-interferon (rHuyIFN) on the production of prostaglandin E (PGE), hyaluronic acid (HA), and collagenase by human synovial fibroblasts in culture were investigated. All 3 were stimulated by rHuIL-l/? and rHuTNFa alone, but not by rHuy-IFN. Stimulation with rHuIL-lP and rHuTNFa occurred at femtomolar and picomolar concentrations, respectively, and maximal stimulation by rHuIL-lP was several times greater than that by rHuTNFa. Stimulation of PGE and collagenase production with rHuIL-lp or rHuTNFa was depressed by rHuyIFN, depending on the concentration used. In contrast, stimulation of HA production with rHuIL-lP or rHuTNFa was unaffected or increased somewhat with rHuy-IFN. Combinations of rHuIL-lP and rHuTNFa had marked synergistic effects on PGE and collagenase production. However, when rHuIL-1P effects were maximal, rHuTNFa had an additive effect. These cytokines had only additive effects on HA produc-