Heterologous expression of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase gamma subunit in Xenopus oocytes induces an endogenous, voltage-gated large diameter pore.

1. The gamma subunit is a specific component of the plasmalemmal Na(+),K(+)-ATPase. Like structurally related single-spanning membrane proteins such as cardiac phospholemman, Mat-8 and renal CHIF, large ion conductances are activated when gamma subunits are expressed in Xenopus oocytes. 2. Here we report critical properties of the gamma-activated conductance. The gamma-activated conductance showed non-selective cationic and anionic permeation, and extremely slow kinetics, with an activation time constant > 1 s following steps to -100 mV. 3. The gamma-activated conductance was inhibited by extracellular divalent ions including Ba(2+) (K(i) = 0.7 mM) and Ca(2+) (K(i) = 0.4 mM). 4. 2-Deoxyglucose (MW approximately 180), inulin (MW approximately 5000) and spermidine (MW approximately 148) efflux could occur through the gamma-activated conductance pathway, indicating a large pore diameter. In contrast, dextran-70 (MW approximately 70 000) did not pass through the gamma-activated channel, indicating an upper limit to the pore size of approximately 50 A (5 nm). 5. Similar conductances that are permeable to large molecules were activated by extreme hyperpolarization (> -150 mV) of uninjected oocytes. 6. We conclude that the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase gamma subunits activate Ca(2+)- and voltage-gated, non-selective, large diameter pores that are intrinsically present within the oocyte membrane.