1 We investigated responses to neurotensin in human promyelocytic leukaemia HL-60 cells. 2 Neurotensin increased the cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) in a concentration-dependent manner and also produced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP 3 ). 3 Among the tested neurotensin analogues, neurotensin 8-13, neuromedin-N, and xenopsin also increased [Ca 2+ ] i , whereas neurotensin 1 ± 11 and neurotensin 1 ± 8 did not elicit detectable responses. 4 SR48692, an antagonist of NTR1 neurotensin receptors, blocked the neurotensin-induced [Ca 2+ ] i increase, whereas levocabastine, which is known as an NTR2 neurotensin receptor antagonist, did not attenuate the neurotensin-evoked e ect. 5 The expression of NTR1 neurotensin receptors was con®rmed by Northern blot analysis and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT ± PCR). 6 During 1.25% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-triggered granulocytic di erentiation of HL-60 cells, the neurotensin-induced [Ca 2+ ] i rise became gradually smaller and completely disappeared 4 days after treatment with DMSO. The mRNA level for neurotensin receptors was also decreased after di erentiation. 7 The results show that HL-60 cells express NTR1 neurotensin receptors and suggest that granulocytic di erentiation involves transcriptional regulation of the receptors resulting in downregulation of the neurotensin-induced signalling.