The ionic selectivity of two voltage activated channels and an acetylcholine activated channel in an Onchidium neuron

1. The selectivities of the ion channels underlying the action potential and the hyperpolarizing response to acetylcholine of the GH cell of Onchidium have been analysed. 2. The rising phase of the action potential is due to an increase in the permeability of the membrane to both Na+ and Ca2+. The Na+ channel is permeable to Li+ and is somewhat permeable to formamidinium, guanidinium and ammonium ions. The Ca2+ channel is permeable to Sr2+ and Ba2+, but not to Mn2+ and Mg2+. 3. The Cl- channel operated by ACh is permeable to chlorate, but not to formate and propionate ions. 4. The selectivities of these channels are similar to those of a number of other channels in other organisms.