Recording of mechano-electrical transduction currents by a nystatin perforated-patch method.
Mechano-electrical transduction (MET) currents in isolated cochlear hair cells of chicks were recorded by use of a nystatin perforated-patch method. The membrane of a cell-attached patch was permeabilized by nystatin in the patch pipette, thus providing electrical continuity between the pipette and the cytoplasm of the cell without loss of cytoplasmic compounds. The current-voltage relationship was linear for the inward-going MET current at negative membrane potentials, but outward currents were reduced at positive membrane potentials, evidence of inward-going rectification. Elevation of the intracellular concentration of calcium at positive membrane potential, mediated via a voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel, may suppress the outward-going MET current by acting from within the cell.
Kimitsuki
T
T
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Miyazaki Medical College, Japan.
Taira
T
T
Tsuji
K
K
Komune
S
S
D000818:Animals; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000502:physiology; D002645:Chickens; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006198:Hair Cells, Auditory / Q000502:physiology*; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques
D015220:Calcium Channels