Hyperpolarization in mouse parathyroid cells by low calcium.

Intracellular microelectrodes were used to record the resting membrane potential of mouse parathyroid cells in vitro. The mean value of the membrane potential in 2.5 mM calcium was -20 mV. Exposure to low-calcium solutions (1.5 mM) caused rapid hyperpolarization to a mean value of -50 mV. The relationship between extracellular calcium and the membrane potential was sigmoid, and the transition between high and low intracellular potentials occurred between 1.5 mM and 2.25 mM calcium. Magnesium, manganese, and lanthanum reversed the low-calcium hyperpolarization. In 1.5 mM calcium solutions, the relationship between external potassium (greater than 10 mM) and the membrane potential was 46 mV per 10-fold change in extracellular potassium. In 2.5 mM calcium solutions, the resting membrane potential was independent of the external potassium concentration. It is concluded that the resting membrane potential of mouse parathyroid cells is highly sensitive to the extracellular concentration of calcium and calcium-like ions. With the low-calcium secretory stimulus, hyperpolarization is accompanied by the development of strong dependence of the resting membrane potential on extracellular potassium levels.