Differential interference contrast microscopy and low-light-level digital imaging of the fluorescent chloride indicator dye 6-methyl-1-(3-sulfonatopropyl)quinolinium (SPQ) were performed simultaneously in single mammalian salivary gland acinar cells to examine the relationship between cytoplasmic chloride concentration [( Cl-]i) and cell volume during stimulus-secretion coupling. Agonist stimulation of Cl(-)-driven fluid secretion is associated with rapid, Ca2(+)-dependent changes of cell volume, which are temporally coupled to changes of [Cl-]i. The agonist-induced changes in [Cl-]i, if accompanied by cations and water, quantitatively account for the cell volume changes, demonstrating in a single cell that cell volume is determined by cell solute content. Agonist-induced modulation of cell volume appears to be a consequence of the requirement to develop appropriate ion gradients necessary for vectorial salt (and fluid) transport.