Proton modulation of M-like potassium current (IKx) in rod photoreceptors

The effect of extracellular pH (pHe 6.9-8.1) and intracellular pH (pHi 6.4-8.1) on the non-inactivating voltage-sensitive M-like potassium current (IKx) was studied in patch-clamped salamander rod photoreceptors. The midpoint of the IKx activation curve shifted by 6.6 mV per pHe unit, with acidification producing positive shifts and alkalinization producing negative shifts. The time constant of IKx activation shifted with pHe in a manner consistent with the shifts in the activation curve. Maximum conductance and gating charge were unaffected by changes in pHe. IKx did not depend on pHi. Given the importance of IKx in rod function, these results suggest that pHe could affect the signal transmitted from rods by changing IKx activation parameters.