The dynamic changes in exocytosis, endocytosis and recycling in single gonadotropes induced by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) were visualized and estimated with an impermeable fluorescent membrane probe, 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatrien (TMA-DPH), using a digital imaging and confocal laser scanning microscope. 10(-7) M GnRH induced exocytosis and endocytosis within 10 sec and 60 sec, respectively. Recycling of the plasma membrane started at 180-300 sec. Exocytosis and endocytosis in purified gonadotropes changed dose-dependently with 10(-10)-10(-7) M GnRH. These results show that GnRH-induced exocytosis, endocytosis and recycling in gonadotropes maintain dynamic equivalence. The procedure we established will be very useful in studies of the function of secretory cells.