In the present study, we have examined the role of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the modulation of Ca2+ ionophore A-23187-induced gastric mucosal cellular disruption. Experiments were conducted using cells isolated from rabbit oxyntic mucosa. Cell injury was assessed by release of the lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase, by trypan blue dye uptake, and by examination of lipid peroxidation. Cellular GSH was assessed spectrophotometrically by measuring total soluble reduced thiol content. Ionophore A-23187 (3-25 microM) induced a concentration-dependent injury to mucosal cells and a concentration-dependent reduction in cellular GSH content. Removal of Ca2+ from the incubation medium abolished both the disruptive action and the GSH-lowering effect of A-23187. Gastric cellular GSH content was reduced significantly by preincubation of cells with an agent that depletes reduced sulfhydryls, diethyl maleate (DEM; 1 mM). Furthermore, DEM significantly augmented cellular disruption in response to A-23187. Similarly, incubation of cells with L-cysteine (1 mM), a stimulant of glutathione synthesis, increased mucosal cellular GSH content and decreased the cellular disruptive effect of A-23187. Exogenous addition of GSH to the cell suspension significantly reduced Ca2+ ionophore-induced cellular disruption and hastened the recovery of cellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]) to baseline values. Similarly, exogenous GSH reduced cellular disruption produced by cyclopiazonic acid and thapsigargin, agents that increase intracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) by inhibiting Ca2+ sequestration. These data suggest that a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i contributes to the pathogenesis of gastric mucosal cellular injury. This effect appears to be mediated by a reduction in the cellular content of GSH.