Properties of the sodium channels of the membrane of neuroblastoma clone N18 A-1 cultured cells

Ionic currents through sodium channels of dialyzed mouse neuroblastoma N18 A-1 cells were measured under voltage clamp conditions. The PNa/PK ratio evaluated by reversal potential shifts was 10.4 +/- 0.7. Parameters of steady-state fast inactivation curves (h--V) and peak sodium conductance curves (gNa--V) were determined. The inactivation kinetics had usually a two-exponential time course. The internal perfusion of cells by trypsin and pronase caused a slowing-down of the sodium current falling phase, pronase being more specific in this respect. An external application of the purified scorpion toxin in concentration of 1.42 X 10(-7) M leads to a fast and sharp slowing-down of sodium inactivation. The same toxin in concentration of 5 X 10(-6) M, applied internally was quite unaffective. Experimental results demonstrate similarities in the main features between the sodium channels of neuroblastoma cells and those of other excitable cell membranes.