In mice, two-hour immobilization stress inhibited zymosan-induced production by macrophages of the oxygen radicals and cytokine IL-1[beta]. After myelopeptides MP-5 and MP-6 were administered into mice, the stress-induced inhibition of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and IL-1[beta] was abrogated. MP-5 peptide stimulated spontaneous ROS production by macrophages and reduced IL-10 production under stress. Thus, under in vivo conditions and under stress, the effect of MP-5 and MP-6 myelopeptides modulates the peritoneal macrophage activity.