Elevation of intracellular calcium induced by the intrapipette perfusion technique modifies membrane ion currents in the chick cochlear hair cell.

The concentration of intracellular calcium ion ([Ca2+]i) was altered in the same hair cell dissociated from a chick cochlea by the intrapipette perfusion technique. At a membrane potential of -40 mV, the elevation of [Ca2+]i generated outward-going currents within 60 sec when the intrapipette solution was based on KCl. In controls, at membrane potentials more positive than -50 mV, outward K+ currents were observed and at large positive potentials, the outward K+ current decreased, showing an N-shaped I-V relationship. This outward K+ current was increased by elevation of [Ca2+]i and was partially suppressed by a TEA-containing extracellular solution. We suggest that the Ca2+ increased by the intrapipette perfusion technique operates directly inside the cell membrane and activates Ca(2+)-activated K+ currents.