The effects of protons on 3',5'-cGMP-activated currents in photoreceptor patches

Macroscopic 3',5'-guanine cyclic monophosphate (cGMP)-activated currents from photoreceptor outer segment membranes were examined as the pH on the cytoplasmic face of inside/out patches was reduced. In the absence of divalent cations, protons reduced the current in both directions without affecting the shape of the current-voltage relation consistent with a voltage-independent block. When Ca2+ was added to the bath, increasing the [H+] relieved the Ca2+ block and eliminated the Ca(2+)-induced reversal potential shifts seen at pH 7.4. These results suggest that protons alter Na+/Ca2+ permeability of the channel and relieve Ca2+ block of the sodium transport.