Cytosolic-free calcium changes in cultured rat oligodendrocytes attacked with murine T-cell perforin were measured using digital image processing of fura-2-loaded cells. Permeability to the membrane impermeant dye, propidium iodide, and the ability to retain fura-2 were also assessed. Oligodendrocyte response to perforin attack was heterogeneous, ranging from small, transient increases in cytosolic calcium to rapid cell death. Changes in cytosolic calcium occurred in all cells and about half of the cells also became permeable to propidium iodide. Only a minority of these cells proceeded to lysis, as evidenced by loss of fura-2. The cytosolic-free calcium rises visualized here in single cells could initiate non-lethal effects, thereby disturbing oligodendrocyte function and synthesis and maintenance of myelin.