Mucosal exposure to Escherichia coli elicits an inflammatory response in the urinary tract. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is secreted into the urine, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) are recruited to the site of infection. This study analyzed the ability of mucosally administered bacterial components to activate IL-6 and PMNL responses. P, S, and type 1 fimbrial preparations with adhesins specific for Gal alpha 1-4Gal beta, NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal, and mannose, respectively, were inoculated intravesically into lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-responder (C3H/HeN) and LPS-nonresponder (C3H/HeJ) mice. The role of the fimbrial adhesin was examined by comparing P and S fimbriae with (Adh+) and without (Adh-) the receptor-binding domain. Isolated lipid A was used in parallel. The urinary IL-6 levels were elevated after challenge with Adh+ P fimbriae, but not after challenge with the Adh- P fimbriae, Adh+ or Adh- S fimbriae, or type 1 fimbriae. The activation was not a function of contaminating LPS, since it occurred in both LPS-responder and -nonresponder mice and since isolated lipid A was a poor activator of the IL-6 response. In contrast, lipid A was a potent inducer of the PMNL response. The results suggested that the IL-6 and PMNL responses were activated via different pathways; the IL-6 response was activated mainly by an adhesion-dependent interaction with the mucosa, and the PMNLs were activated mainly by lipid A. The results emphasize the active role of the mucosal barrier in the production of mediators in response to diverse bacterial stimulants.