Single Ca2+-activated K+ channels in excised membrane patches of hamster oocytes

The properties of the Ca2(+)-activated K+ channel in unfertilized hamster oocytes were investigated at the single-channel level using inside-out excised membrane patches. The results indicate a new type of Ca2(+)-activated K+ channel which has the following characteristics: (1) single-channel conductance of 40-85 pS for outward currents in symmetrical K+ (150 mM) solutions. (2) inward currents of smaller conductance (10-50 pS) than outward currents, i.e. the channel is outwardly rectified in symmetrical K+ solutions, (3) channel activity dependent on the internal concentration of free Ca2+ and the membrane potential, (4) modification of the channel activity by internal adenosine 5' diphosphate (0.1 mM) producing a high open probability regardless of membrane potential.