Spontaneous action potentials and resting potential shifts in fertilized eggs of the tunicate Clavelina.

Electrical activity in the fertilized egg of the tunicate Clavelina was studied with microelectrode recording and voltage clamp techniques. The resting potential could assume either of two stable values (approximately -70 or -30 mV) and could be shifted between these values by direct current stimulation. Spontaneous shifts between two stable resting potentials were also seen. Egg cells produced action potentials spontaneously and in response to depolarizing stimuli. Inward currents were carried by both Na and Ca ions and a prominent outward potassium current was seen with depolarization to voltages above -15 mV. The steady-state current-voltage relationship (I-V curve) of the membrane showed two voltages where the net membrane current equaled zero: approximately -35 and -70 mV. Between these two voltages, membrane current was inward and carried by noninactivating Na and Ca currents. Inward rectification, which was blocked by external Rb, occurred at voltages below -70 mV. The voltage dependence of inward rectification is thought by the authors to be important for establishing the more negative resting potential; it is also thought the presence of inward current which does not inactivate completely at voltages more negative than about -20 mV is an important determinant of the more depolarized resting potential.