CALCIUM INFLUX THROUGH STRETCH-ACTIVATED CATION CHANNELS MEDIATES ADAPTATION BY POTASSIUM CURRENT ACTIVATION

WHILE stretch-sensitive channels are found in many cells, their physio logical significance is still controversial. Their ability to mediate receptor current adaptation, as predicted from macroscopic currents, w as investigated to provide further evidence for their role in mechanoe lectrical transduction. In sensory neurones of abdominal stretch recep tor organs of crayfish, Ca2+ influx through stretch-activated channels is shown to activate potassium channels which are considered to be re sponsible for the fast phase of receptor current adaptation.