K+-valinomycin and chloride conductance of the human red cell membrane. Influence of the membrane protonophore carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone.

Chloride ion conductance of the human red cell membrane has been calculated, as the ratio between ion net charge flux and driving potential. The proton carrier CCCP was used to monitor changes in membrane potential following addition of valinomycin in sufficient quantities to raise the K+ conductance to a level comparable to the Cl- conductance. A K+-specific electrode was used to monitor changes in extracellular K+ concentration, and an H+-sensitive glass electrode for changes in extracellular pH, reflecting changes in membrane potential. The effects of varied concentrations of valinomycin and CCCP upon K+ and Cl- conductances were studied. It was found that, within an experimental error of about 10% S.D., the chloride conductance was constant for valinomycin concentrations in the range 1.0 X 10(-8)-1.0 X 10(-6), and for CCCP-concentrations in the range 2.0 X 10(-7)-2.0 X 10(-5) mol per litre cell suspension, while at a constant concentration of valinomycin the induced K+ conductance was considerably augmented by addition of CCCP.