The relationship between glutamate signaling and inflammation has not been well defined. This study aimed to investigate the role of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) in the expression and release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) from macrophages and the underlying mechanisms. A series of approaches, including confocal microscopy, immunofluorescency, flow cytometry, ELISA and Western blotting, were used to estimate the expression of AMPAR and downstream signaling molecules, TNF-alpha release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells. The results demonstrated that AMPAR was expressed in RAW264.7 cells. AMPA significantly enhanced TNF-alpha release from RAW264.7 cells, and this effect was abolished by CNQX (AMPAR antagonist). AMPA also induced elevation of ROS production, phosphorylation of c-Src and activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B in RAW264.7 cells. Blocking c-Src by PP2, scavenging ROS by glutathione (GSH) or inhibiting NF-kappa B activation by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) decreased TNF-alpha production from RAW264.7 cells. We concluded that AMPA promotes TNF-alpha release in RAW264.7 macrophages likely through the following signaling cascade: AMPAR activation -> ROS generation -> c-Src phosphorylation -> NF-kappa B activation -> TNF-alpha. elevation. The study suggests that AMPAR may participate in macrophage activation and inflammation. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.