The stimulation through TCR-CD3 complexes by Immobilized anti-CD3 antibody induced the production of IL-2 and activation-induced cell death (ACD) in the majority of T cell hybridomas. However, some hybridomas produced IL-2 without showing any signs of ACD by the same stimulation, indicating that TCR - CD3-medlated signaling pathways of IL-2 production and of ACD are different. These pathways were discriminated from each other by protein kinase inhibitors and cAMP-elevating reagents such as forskolin. The pathway of IL-2 production but not of ACD was Inhibited by protein Mnase inhibitors. On the other hand, various cAMP-elevating reagents prevented the T cell hybridomas from TCR-mediated ACD with minimal inhibition of IL-2 production. The elevated cytoplasmic cAMP did not block dexamethasone-induced apoptosis. This indicates that apoptosis is regulated by multiple pathways. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of cAMP is specific for the TCR-mediated signaling pathway of ACD. Messenger RNA for bci-2 was detected after treatment with forskolin.