[Calcium currents of differentiated mouse neuroblastoma cells]

Differentiated neuroblastoma cells (clone N18TG2-A1) were investigated by means of intracellular dialysis technique. A slow component of the potential-dependent inward current was observed in these cells. Changes in current amplitude produced by changes in the ionic composition of intra- and extracellular media showed that this component is carried by calcium ions. The calcium inward current was observed in all investigated cells. It could be activated by membrane depolarization to the level of -70 - -65 mV and reached maximum amplitude at -30 - -40 mV. Kinetic parameters of this current were studied. A conclusion is made that calcium current in differentiated neuroblastoma cells is similar to the fast component of the calcium current in normal neurons of rat dorsal root ganglion.