Ca2+-activated K+ conductance causes membrane hyperpolarizations in a monkey kidney cell line (JTC-12)

We have previously reported hyperpolarizing membrane potential changes in a monkey kidney cell line (JTC-12) which has characteristics resembling proximal tubular cells. These hyperpolarizations could be observed spontaneously or evoked by mechanically touching adjacent cells. In this report, we have shown further evidence that these hyperpolarizations are elicited by an increase in membrane conductance to K+ which is caused by an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. In addition, we have found another type of hyperpolarization which is evoked by applying flow of extracellular fluid to the cell. Intracellular injection of Ca2+ and Sr2+ evoked hyperpolarizations, while intracellular injection of Mn2+ and Ba2+ did not. Intracellular injection of EGTA suppressed both spontaneous and mechanically evoked hyperpolarizations. In Ca2+-free medium, both spontaneous and flow-evoked hyperpolarizations were not observed, while mechanical stimuli consistently evoked hyperpolarization. In Na+-free medium, the incidence of cells showing the spontaneous or flow-evoked hyperpolarization increased, and the amplitude and the duration of the mechanically evoked hyperpolarization became greater. Quinidine inhibited all types of hyperpolarization. These data suggest that hyperpolarizations in JTC-12 cells are due to an increase in Ca2+-activated K+ conductance.