Membrane currents of identified isolated rat corticotropes and gonadotropes.

Membrane currents of identified, isolated corticotropes and gonadotropes from mammalian anterior pituitary gland have been evaluated. Pituitary gonadotropes and corticotropes were isolated enzymatically and stained in the living state using biotinylated gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Bio-GnRH) or biotinylated corticotropin-releasing hormone (Bio-CRF) followed by avidin fluorescein. Electrophysiological recordings were made with patch-clamp electrodes in the whole-cell clamp configuration. Tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive sodium currents were larger in corticotropes than in gonadotropes. Corticotropes showed two components of calcium currents, a transient low-threshold component and a longer lasting high-threshold component. Small TTX-resistant inward currents were present also in gonadotropes, and both cell types had transient and steady potassium currents.