Ca2+-activated K+ permeability in human erythrocytes: modulation of single-channel events.

Elevated levels of intracellular Ca2+ activate a K+-selective permeability in the membrane of human erythrocytes. Currents through single channels were analysed in excised inside-out membrane patches. The effects of several ions that are known to inhibit K+ fluxes are described with respect to the single-channel events. The results suggest that the blocking ions can partly move into the channels (but cannot penetrate) and interact with other ions inside the pore. The reduction of single-channel conductance by Cs+, tetraethylammonium and Ba2+ and of single-channel activity by quinine and Ba2+ is referred to different rates of access to the channel. The concentration- and voltage-dependent inhibition by ions with measurable permeability (Na+ and Rb+) can be explained by their lower permeability, with single-file movement and ionic interactions inside the pore.