[A single calcium channel with anomalous rectification in mollusk neurons]

The patch clamp technique was used to examine the properties of an inward-rectifying potassium channel in the cell membrane of freshwater mollusc Planorbarius corneus neurons. Inward currents of single channels were observed at potentials more negative than potassium equilibrium potential (EK), when microelectrode contained potassium ions (50 mmol/l) and potassium channel blockers: tetraethylammonium, barium or cesium ions (10-20 mmol/l). The conductance of the single channel was equal to 81 +/- 12 pS at 50 mmol/l potassium ion concentration in the patch electrode. At potentials more positive than EK the conductance sharply decreased to 0 pS. The times of the open state of the closed one of the channel and probability of the open state existing for the ionic channel were estimated with various constant potentials. It was revealed that the channel openings were grouped in bursts. The lifetime of the open state and burst duration decreased with hypopolarization of the patch.