The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a dynamic organelle thought to consist of a single interconnected network of membranes. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) of HEK-293 cells dually transfected with soluble fluorescent proteins targeted to the ER (GFP) and mitochondria (DsRed), we have confirmed this continuity, which contrasts that of the mitochondria, which behave as a population of discrete organelles. The degree of ER integrity (interconnected versus fragmented) has been suggested to be regulated in some cells by inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (Ins(1,3,4,5)P-4). In HEK-293 and freshly isolated murine lacrimal acinar cells, we manipulated ER structure by disrupting cellular Ca2+ homeostasis with the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin, and by permeabilisation of the plasma membrane, protocols known to cause ER fragmentation. However, we were subsequently unable to detect by FRAP any significant effect of Ins(1,3,4,5)P-4 on ER integrity.(c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.