In this study we have compared the short-term effects of both NaCl and HgCl2 on aquaporins of Capsicum annuum L. plants, in order to determine whether or not they are similar. Stomatal conductance, turgor, root hydraulic conductance and water status were measured after 0.5, 2, 4 and 6 h of NaCl (60 mmol/L) or HgCl2 (50 micromol/L) treatment. When 60 mmol/L NaCl was added to the nutrient solution, a large decrease in stomatal conductance was observed after 2 h. However, when HgCl2 (50 micromol/L) was added, the decrease occurred after 4 h. The number of open stomata closed was always lower in plants treated with HgCl2 than in plants treated with NaCl. The water content of the Hg(2+)-treated plants was decreased, compared with controls and NaCl-treated. The root hydraulic conductance decreased after HgCl2 and NaCl treatment plants. Turgor of leaf epidermal cells was greatly reduced in plants treated with HgCl2, but remained constant in the NaCl treatment, compared with control plants. The fact that the stomatal conductance was reduced more rapidly after NaCl addition, followed by the stomatal closure, and that both water content and turgor did not differ from the control suggests that in NaCl-treated plants there must be a signal moving from root to shoot. Therefore, the control of plant homeostasis through a combined regulation of root and stomatal exchanges may be dependent on aquaporin regulation.