We show that lipopolysaccharide-free actetylated low-density lipoprotein (LDL), but not native LDL, stimulates tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion by rat peritoneal macrophages and the signal-transduction pathways involved. The role of the scavenger receptor (SR) in this response was suggested by the absence of an effect induced by native LDL, signal coupling involving pertussis-toxin-dependent guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory (G) protein, and the complete inhibition of this response by SR ligands [poly(I) and dextran sulfate]. Acetylated LDL induces rapid Ca2+ release from inositol-phosphate-sensitive Ca2+ stores mediated by pertussis-sensitive G proteins and a sustained Ca2+ rise mediated by Ca2+ influx and by Ca2+ release from ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ stores. Acetylated LDL-induced Ca2+ influx and TNF-alpha production were abolished by inhibitors of phospholipase C (U73122) and phospholipase A2 (bromophenacyl bromide), but were not affected by an inhibitor of protein kinase C (calphostine C). Therefore, Ca2+ influx induced by acetylated LDL is dependent on Ca2+ store depletion. Arachidonate released by acetylated LDL acts as a second messenger to activate TNF-alpha secretion via Ca2+ influx. While the Ca2+ signal was not modified by an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases (PTK; herbimycin A), this inhibitor completely blocked TNF-alpha production, suggesting the involvement of PTK downstream of the Ca2+ signal. These results suggest that a sustained elevation of intracellular Ca2+, mediated through Ca2+ influx via the phospholipase-A2-dependent pathway, is essential for induction of TNF-alpha secretion. The type of SR class involved in these pathways remains to be identified.