Membrane current responses to focal application of bradykinin (BK) were recorded in voltage-clamped NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells. 2. BK produced sequential outward and inward currents at clamp potentials between -60 and -30 mV, designated IBK(out) and IBK(in), respectively. 3. The outward current IBK(out) was accompanied by an increased membrane conductance. Ramp current-voltage (I-V) curves yielded a reversal potential (VBK) of -80 +/- 5.6 mV (mean +/- S.D., n = 9) in 5.4 mM [K+]o. VBK showed a positive shift on raising [K+]o, compatible with a primary increase in K+ conductance. Subtracted I-V curves indicated that the underlying conductance was not strongly voltage dependent between -120 and -40 mV. 4. IBK(out) was inhibited by d-tubocurarine (dTC, 0.1-0.5 mM) but was insensitive to tetraethylammonium (TEA) below 5 mM. 5. The inward current IBK(in) was accompanied by a fall in membrane conductance. This was associated with the inhibition of a time- and voltage-dependent K+ current, IM. In consequence, IBK(in) was strongly voltage dependent and dissipated, usually without reversal, on hyperpolarizing the cell beyond -70 mV in 5.4 mM [K+]o. Reversal to an outward current negative to -40 mV could be obtained on raising [K+]o to 54 mM. 5. Both IBK(in) and IBK(out) persisted when ICa was blocked with Co2+ or Cd2+. IBK(out) slowly diminished in Ca2+-free, Mg2+-substituted solution. 6. The Ca2+ spike current ICa and the Ca2+-activated K+ current IAHP were inhibited during IBK(out) or after Ca2+ injections. BK did not affect the voltage-activated K+ current IK(V) recorded in Co2+ solution. 7. It is concluded that the dual response to BK results from opposing effects on two different species of K+ current. IBK(out) results from activation of a Ca2+-dependent, voltage-insensitive K+ conductance, probably mediated by a transient rise in intracellular Ca2+. It is suggested that the Ca2+ is released from an intracellular store. IBK(in) results primarily from inhibition of the Ca2+-independent, voltage-gated K+ current, IM. This effect is not replicated by a rise of intracellular Ca2+ and must therefore be generated by another mechanism.
