Outward K+ channels in Brassica chinensis pollen protoplasts are regulated by external and internal pH

Patch-clamp whole-cell and single-channel recording techniques were used to investigate the regulation of outward K(+) channels by external and internal protons in Brassica chinensispollen protoplasts. Outward K(+) currents and conductance were insensitive to external pH (pH(o)) except at pH 4.5. Maximal conductance (G(max)) for the outward K(+) currents was inhibited at acidic external pH. Half-activation voltage ( E(1/2)) for the outward K(+) currents shifted to more positive voltages along with the decrease in pH(o). E(1/2) can be described by a modified Henderson-Hasselbalch equation expected from a single titratable binding site. The activation kinetics of the outward K(+) channels was largely insensitive to pH(o). An internal pH (pH(i)) of 4.5 significantly increased outward K(+) currents and conductance. G(max) for the outward K(+) currents decreased with elevations in pH(i). In contrast to the effect of pH(o), E(1/2) was shifted to more positive voltages with elevations in pH(i). The outward K(+) currents, G(max) and E(1/2) can be described by the modified Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. Furthermore, acidifying pH(i) accelerated the activation of the outward K(+) currents significantly. The differences in electro-physiological properties among previously reported and currently described plant outward K(+) channels may reflect differences in the structure of these channels.