Fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, the most potent activator of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase, has been demonstrated to mediate the increase of glycolytic flux induced by mitogens human fibroblasts. In the present work the molecular basis of transmembrane control of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate has been investigated. Prostacyclin and isoprenaline, known to activate adenylate cyclase, are able to increase fructose 2,6-bisphosphate levels, indicating that in human fibroblasts cyclic AMP plays a positive role in the control of the metabolite concentration, opposite to that exerted in hepatocytes. Substances known to activate protein kinase C such as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, or to stimulate phosphoinositide turnover such as thrombin and bradykinin are also effective in raising fructose 2,6-bisphosphate. Therefore, we conclude that cyclic AMP and protein kinase C are likely involved in the control of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate levels in human fibroblasts.