Spermine and spermidine as gating molecules for inward rectifier K+ channels.

Inward rectifier K+ channels pass prominent inward currents, while outward currents are largely blocked. The inward rectification is due to block by intracellular Mg2+ and a Mg(2+)-independent process described as intrinsic gating. The rapid loss of gating upon patch excision suggests that cytoplasmic factors participate in gating. "Intrinsic" gating can be restored in excised patches by nanomolar concentrations of two naturally occurring polyamines, spermine and spermidine. Spermine and spermidine may function as physiological blockers of inward rectifier K+ channels and "intrinsic" gating may largely reflect voltage-dependent block by these cations.