[Voltage-dependent potassium currents in rat C6 glioma cells]

In the present study, the properties of voltage-dependent K- currents in cultured rat C6 glioma cells were investigated with the whole cell patch-clamp recording technique. A total of 97 cells were recorded. The mean value of the membrane potential was -47.5 +/- 9.4 mV. Seven percent of the recorded C6 glioma cells did not show any outward potassium currents. The rest had outward K+ currents which could be activated at -36.5 +/- 5.9 mV from a holding potential of -70 mV. Ananalysis of tail currents, showed the mean value of the reversal potential was -84.6 +/- 4.1 mV, close to the K+ equilibrium potential. The K+ currents of 60% of the recorded C6 cells consisted of both a fast and a slow component, while those of the 33% only with a slow component.