Rat submandibular gland cells have been obtained through enzymatic dispersion using chromatographically purified collagenase (EC 3.4.24.3) and hyaluronidase (EC 3.2.1.35) and gentle mechanical force. The recovery of viable cells after the isolation procedure was 59% on the basis of total glandular DNA content. Approximately 60% of the total cell population consisted of acinar cells; less than 8% were immature granular duct cells; and the remainder were intercalated duct, striated duct, and myoepithelial cells. Most of the acinar cells were in acinar-intercalated duct complexes. The integrity of the isolated cells was substantiated by their exclusion of trypan blue, intracellular electrolyte composition, incorporation of [14C]glucosamine into trichloroacetic acid + phosphotungstic acid precipitable material at a linear rate for 1.5 hr, secretory responses to parasympathomimetic and sympathomimetic stimulation, and morphologic integrity as determined by light and electron microscopy. The cholinergic receptors were characterized through investigation of the net transmembrane flux of K+ in response to carbamoylcholine. The alpha-adrenergic receptors were characterized by investigating the net transmembrane flux of K+ in response to norepinephrine stimulation and the beta-adrenergic receptors were characterized by determining the rate of secretion of 14C-labeled mucin after isoproterenol stimulation. A high degree of sensitivity to both cholinergic and adrenergic secretagogues was observed.