Activation of lymphocytes through ligation of the antigen receptor complex initiates activation of phospholipase C-gamma (PLC). Activated PLC hydrolyses phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate into diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3). InsP3 mediates the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores into the cytoplasm, while InsP4 and InsP3 mobilize extracellular Ca2+. Both processes contribute to the temporary increase in [Ca2+]i that is observed after lymphocyte activation. Because of the availability of Mg(2+)-sensitive and specific fluorochromes like Mag-indo-1 it is now possible to monitor potential changes in [Mg2+]i. In lymphocytes that have responded to receptor activation with high [Ca2+]i, an increase in [Mg2+]i can be found. The [Mg2+]i is in the range that enables it to modulate the activity of a number of cellular enzymes, including key enzymes in the PLC transmembrane signalling pathway. It can be speculated that a differential Mg2+ mobilization response will have consequences for the ultimate cellular response to receptor activation.