The interplay between Ca2+ efflux mechanisms of the plasma membrane (PM) and transient changes of the cytosolic concentration of ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i) was studied in suspensions of human neutrophils loaded with the [Ca2+]i indicator, Fura-2. To reveal Ca2+ efflux through PM the interference of intracellular Ca stores was prevented by preincubating the cells in the presence of EGTA, thapsigargin, and ionomycin. Addition of econazole prevented varying entry of divalent cations regulated by the filling state of Ca stores. The preincubation seemed to empty and permeabilize virtually all Ca stores, ensuring that the monitored changes of [Ca2+]i were caused exclusively by PM Ca2+ transporters. Following preincubation, the addition of CaCl2 induced, mediated by ionomycin, a transient rise of [Ca2+]i, a spike, eventually decreasing to an intermediary [Ca2+]i level. The ATP-dependent decrease of [Ca2+]i terminating the spike was abolished by the calmodulin antagonist, N-(6-aminohexyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7), but not by the protein kinase C inhibitor, staurosporine, nor by Na(+)-free medium, suggesting that neither activity of protein kinase C nor Na+/Ca2+ exchange was necessary for generation of the Ca2+ spike. In conclusion, the PM Ca2+ pump was responsible for the Ca2+ spike by responding to the rapid rise of [Ca2+]i by a delayed activation, possibly involving calmodulin. This characteristic feature of the PM pump may be important for the generation of cellular [Ca2+]i spikes in general.