A basolateral K+ conductance modulated by carbachol dominates the membrane potential of small intestinal crypts.

The contribution of possible ionic conductances to the membrane potential (Em) of cells in guinea-pig small intestinal crypts has been studied using the nystatin "perforated-patch" approach in current-clamp experiments. Changes in extracellular K+ produced shifts in Em, with a 37 mV change in potential per ten-fold increase in extracellular K+ concentration. Reduction of extracellular Cl- by 130 mM led to a 7 mV hyperpolarisation while Na+ replacement was without effect on Em. The muscarinic agonist carbachol produced a hyperpolarisation which could be ascribed to an increase in basolateral K+ conductance. This effect was sustained in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ but was transient in its absence. We conclude that the conductance of the basolateral membrane of small intestinal crypts is mainly K+ selective and can be reversibly increased by muscarinic activation.