The effects of quinidine on sodium-dependent calcium efflux in isolated rod photoreceptors of the salamander retina.

The effect of quinidine on the membrane current generated by the Na:Ca, K exchange has been investigated in the outer segment of isolated rod photoreceptors from the retina of the larval tiger salamander. The inward exchange current associated with the efflux of Ca2+ was selectively recorded by introducing a Ca2+ load through the light-sensitive channels, and then shutting these channels with a bright light. Quinidine (20-1000 microM) reduced the magnitude of the exchange current and slowed its decay during the removal of a Ca2+ load. Quinidine did not alter the form of the relation between the exchange current and the total concentration of exchangeable calcium remaining within the outer segment. [Ca]T, showing that it does not change the affinity of the exchange mechanism for internal Ca2+. The relation between exchange current inhibition and the quinidine concentration could be described by a simple Michaelis relation with a Ki of 287 microM and a maximum inhibition of 50%. The incomplete block of the Na:Ca, K exchange current by quinidine shows that it does not act by simple competition with external Na+, and suggests that the inhibition of the exchange by quinidine may be non-specific.