SW982 cells are characterized by expression of inflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) genes and by their response to dexamethasone at different cell densities. They express genes encoding interleukin (IL)-1β; IL-6; transforming growth factor–β; intercellular adhesion molecule–1; cycloxygenase (COX)-2; and MMPs, including MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-13, and MT1-MMP; tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase–2; and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs–4. Expression of all the genes examined was induced with 2 ng/ml IL-1β at low cell density. The cells, however, failed to express tumor necrosis factor–α, COX-1, and MMP-9, regardless of the presence of IL-1β. Dexamethasone significantly reduced IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, and MMP-1 expression at high cell density. The results suggest that SW982 cells are a useful tool for studying the expression of inflammatory cytokine or MMP genes.