Calcium influx through stretch-activated cation channels mediates adaptation by potassium current activation.

While stretch-sensitive channels are found in many cells, their physiological significance is still controversial. Their ability to mediate receptor current adaptation, as predicted from macroscopic currents, was investigated to provide further evidence for their role in mechanoelectrical transduction. In sensory neurones of abdominal stretch receptor organs of crayfish, Ca2+ influx through stretch-activated channels is shown to activate potassium channels which are considered to be responsible for the fast phase of receptor current adaptation.