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Using a novel dual-channel FACS methodology, the organotin compound TBT (2 microM) was shown to induce rapid (maximal by 3 min) and sustained elevations in intracellular calcium levels [Ca(2+)](i) in Jurkat T cells. This was preceded by mitochondrial hyperpolarization (maximal at 1 min), with subsequent loss of membrane potential, (Deltapsi(m)) over the next 15 min and was associated with the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and the activation of type II caspases. The activation of the caspases was blocked by calcium chelation with EGTA and/or BAPTA. Interestingly, changes in Deltapsi(m) caused by TBT were not affected by chelation of intra- and extracellular calcium or by performing the experiments in a Ca(2+)-free medium. TBT also caused rapid elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) in cells lacking glycolytic ATP production. Despite this, the loss of Deltapsi(m) and the activation of type II caspases were delayed (maximal by 2 h) in these cells. Further, there was a failure to activate type II caspases in cells treated with TBT in a Ca(2+)-free medium, despite rapid release of mitochondrial cytochrome c. Consequently, these cells evaded the induction of apoptosis and were diverted to delayed necrotic deletion. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that the rapid rise in [Ca(2+)](i) caused by TBT in Jurkat T cells is not directly coupled to the induction of mitochondrial permeability transition, which rather results from a direct interaction of TBT with mitochondrial component(s) controlling pore transition. However, the rise in [Ca(2+)](i) is a prerequisite for postmitochondrial events involved in caspase activation prior to the induction of apoptosis.