With real-time confocal microscopy, the effect of three nitric oxide (NO) donors, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, S-nitrosoglutathione, and diethylamine NO adduct, on the dynamic intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) response of porcine tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) cells to acetylcholine (ACh) was examined. ACh initiated propagating [Ca2+]i oscillations in TSM cells, which were inhibited by NO donors. 8-Bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate slowed the frequency of [Ca2+]i oscillations but did not completely inhibit oscillations, suggesting that the effects of NO donors are only partially mediated via guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-dependent mechanisms. After preexposure to NO donors, ACh induced a small biphasic [Ca2+]i response that was blocked by nifedipine, suggesting a lack of effect on Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated channels. In addition, NO donors did not inhibit Ca2+ influx induced by BAY K 8644. The [Ca2+]i response to caffeine was inhibited by NO donors, indicating inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release. When Ca2+ influx and SR Ca2+ reuptake were blocked, basal [Ca2+]i increased, and this was inhibited by NO donors, suggesting enhanced Ca2+ efflux. These results indicate that NO donors inhibit [Ca2+]i oscillations by blocking SR Ca2+ release and enhancing Ca2+ extrusion.