Two types of K+ channels in excised patches of somatic membrane of the leech AP neuron.
The patch-clamp technique has been applied to the somatic membrane of the leech AP neurons. Ionic currents from single potassium channels were recorded in inside-out configuration. Two types of channels, sharing close values of conductance in symmetrical K+, were identified as distinct, according to their properties of rectification, Ca2+ sensitivity and voltage dependence. The channels designated as VCI exhibited an outward rectification and their gating was quite independent on changes of patch potential and of [Ca2+]i. The channels designated as VCD showed a linear I-V relationship and their activity was dependent on both the membrane potential and the intracellular [Ca2+].
Pellegrini
M
M
Dipartimento di Fisiologia e Biochimica, Universitá di Pisa, Italy.
Simoni
A
A
Pellegrino
M
M
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007865:Leeches / Q000502:physiology*; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology*
D015221:Potassium Channels; D002118:Calcium