OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Chemotaxis of neutrophils from blood to the inflammation process plays an important role in development of periodontal inflammation. The novel chemokine GROalpha, also named CXCL1, is a strong chemoattractant for neutrophils. Data on production and regulation of GROalpha by oral fibroblasts have not previously been presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: GROalpha mRNA and protein levels were determined in human periodontal ligament cells and mouse gingival fibroblasts by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA. RESULTS: We disclose that both human periodontal ligament cells and mouse gingival fibroblasts produce GROalpha in response to LPS stimulation. Stimulation with LPS for 24 h increased both mRNA for GROalpha and GROalpha protein. The steroid hormone estrogen had no effect on LPS-induced GROalpha mRNA expression. Treatment with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone attenuated LPS-induced GROalpha production, and the NF-kappaB blocker MG 132 fully prevented LPS-induced GROalpha. CONCLUSIONS: Oral fibroblasts respond to LPS stimulation by increasing GROalpha production via the transcription factor NF-kappaB, suggesting that this mechanism may be involved in development of periodontal inflammation.