Two distinct prostaglandin synthase/cyclooxygenase (PGS/COS) enzymes have recently been recognized. One (EC 1.14.00.1) is largely constitutive and has been characterized in a variety of species, whereas the other (also known as TIS10) is inducible by mitogens and inhibitable by glucocorticoids. Along with activation of phospholipase A2, the latter PGS/COS is likely to mediate ligand-induced prostaglandin production in a variety of cell types. The two enzymes have similar gene structures and activities. There is accumulating evidence that PGS/COX activity may play a role in inflammatory diseases. For example, PGS/COX expression is upregulated in inflammatory joint diseases and is genetically controlled. As part of an effort to examine genetic factors regulating PGS/COX expression and the possible involvement of the enzymes in mouse models of inflammatory disorders, we report here the chromosomal mapping of the genes for the constitutive and regulated PGS/COX enzymes. We will refer to the constitutive enzyme as Pgs-1 and the inducible enzyme as Pgs-2. 14 refs., 1 tab.