title: Stable membrane potentials and mechanical K+ responses activated by internal Ca2+ in HeLa cells.
abstract: Stable membrane potentials have been measured with microelectrodes in HeLa cells and their average value (-38 mV) compares well with the Cl- electrochemical potential (-34 mV). A hyperpolarizing response is observed upon microelectrode penetrations and following a mechanical or electrical shock; this response is due to a large increase in the K+ permeability, which can also be triggered by Ca2+ injection or blocked by EGTA injection through the microelectrode. Stable hyperpolarizations are obtained with the Ca2+ ionophore A 23187.
mesh_terms: D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000187:drug effects; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects*; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D007473:Ion Channels; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium