AIM: To explore the putative effects of sterigmatocystin (ST) on human help T lymphocyte(Th1)function. METHODS: The effects of ST on interferon-?(IFN-?)secretion of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells(HPBMc) in vitro were determined with ELISA method. RESULTS: The effects of ST on IFN-? secretion of HPBMc in vitro were closely dependent on ST concentrations. ST at relatively lower concentrations (0.03125-0.12500 mg/L) showed inhibiting effects on IFN-? secretion. While, stimulating effects could be found when ST concentration was above 0.25mg/L. The highest level was seen in ST 1 mg/L group ( P