Potassium conductances in isolated single cells from Xenopus laevis colonic epithelium

The patch-clamp technique was employed in whole cells to analyze K⁺ conductances of amphibian colonic cells. Xenopus laevis colonic epithelium was dissected, and single epithelial cells were isolated using Ca²⁺-free solution and mild enzyme treatment. Vital epithelial cells had a round shape, and a distinction between apical and basolateral poles was no longer possible. Their epithelial origin was, however, verified by antibodies against keratin. The average resting potential of the colonocytes was −37.6 ± 1 mV (n = 220) and the resulting membrane current was strongly potassium selective. Further characterization of this conductance was achieved by current-voltage relationship in the presence and absence of various K⁺ channel blockers. Barium and cesium showed pronounced voltage-dependent blockage, with interaction at about 35% inside the pores. Lidocain, as well as quinine and quinidine also blocked, but with different kinetics and binding characteristics. Both TEA and verapamil were ineffective. We also explored the effects of extra- (pH_o) and intracellular pH (pH_i) on the K⁺ conductance. An increase of pH_o, as well as pH_i, caused membrane hyperpolarization, and the shift of the current-voltage relationship indicates a stimulation of K⁺ channels by decreasing external and/or internal H⁺ concentration. The results provide the first whole-cell measurements on isolated amphibian colonic epithelial cells and demonstrate the presence of various K⁺ channel types in this preparation. Accepted: 15 January 1999