Expression of integrin, which mediates cell-matrix interaction, is affected by several cytokines, in particular by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). However, it is unknown whether, in an opposite way, a specific integrin is involved in cytokine synthesis. We tested this hypothesis. Function-blocking anti-alpha5 integrin (fibronectin receptor) antibody increased TGF-beta secretion in growth-arrested human mesangial cells (2.3-fold) compared with control IgG or anti-alphavbeta3 integrin (receptor for several matrix proteins) antibody. It also increased the secretion of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a protein associated with matrix increase, by 3.2-fold. The increase in PAI-1 secretion induced by anti-alpha5 integrin antibody was not abrogated by anti-TGF-beta neutralizing antibody. These results indicate that function-blocking of anti-alpha5 integrin stimulates TGF-beta as well as PAI-1 production, suggesting that alpha5 integrin is involved in fibrotic process. Function-modulation of a specific integrin thus appears to play a role in glomerular remodeling. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.