In order to determine whether cystic fibrosis neutrophils are affected in their secretory functions, lysosomal enzyme release and chemiluminescence (light emission from cells) were assayed in patients' cells and compared with those in normal control cells. We observed a decreased response of cystic fibrosis neutrophils in β-glucuronidase release and chemiluminescence after stimulation by N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. There was no significant correlation of these results with the clinical score nor with the medical treatment. On the other hand, responses to the calcium ionophore A23187 and to opsonized zymosan showed no significant difference between normal and cystic fibrosis subjects in lysosomal enzyme release. N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine receptor alterations did not seem involved in the observed effect as demonstrated by Scatchard plot analysis of N-formyl- methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine binding to these receptors. These results clearly demonstrate a difference between normal and cystic fibrosis neutrophils in release and chemiluminescence responses to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl- phenylalanine stimulation, a difference that might be located in the plasma membrane as both responses are membrane dependent. (Pediatr Res 20: 520-526,1986)