Whole-cell currents in olfactory receptor cells of Xenopus laevis.

Olfactory mucosae of Xenopus laevis were dissociated without enzymatic treatment and the isolated olfactory neurones were studied with the tight-seal whole-cell recording configuration of the patch clamp technique. In the voltage clamp, five current components could be distinguished: a fast, TTX-sensitive Na+-current, a small and slow inward current carried by Ca2+ ions, a Ca2+-dependent K+-current, a K+-current which activates rapidly at voltages more positive than -20 mV and quickly inactivates, and a slowly activating and very slowly inactivating K+-current. Some of the characteristics of the whole-cell currents herein reported contradict previous findings while others verify them, thereby allowing a tentative interpretation of their physiological role in the transduction process.