A steep dependence of inward-rectifying potassium channels on cytosolic free calcium concentration increase evoked by hyperpolarization in guard cells

Inactivation of inward-rectifying K+ channels (I-K,I-in) by a rise in cytos olic free [Ca2+] ([Ca2+](i)) is a key event leading to solute loss from gua rd cells and stomatal closure. However, [Ca2+](i) action on I-K,I-in has ne ver been quantified, nor are its origins well understood. We used membrane voltage to manipulate [Ca2+](i), (A. Grabov and M.R. Blatt [1998] Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 95: 4778-4783) while recording I-K,I-in under a voltage clamp and [Ca2+](i) by Fura-2 fluorescence ratiophotometry. I-K,I-in inactivatio n correlated positively with [Ca2+](i) and indicated a K-i of 329 +/- 31 nM with cooperative binding of four Ca2+ ions per channel. I-K,I-in was promo ted by the Ca2+ channel antagonists Gd3+ and calcicludine, both of which su ppressed the [Ca2+](i) rise, but the [Ca2+](i) rise was unaffected by the K + channel blocker Cs+. We also found that ryanodine, an antagonist of intra cellular Ca2+ channels that mediate Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release, blocked the [Ca2+](i) rise, and Mn2+ quenching of Fura-2 fluorescence showed that membr ane hyperpolarization triggered divalent release from intracellular stores. These and additional results point to a high signal gain in [Ca2+](i) cont rol of I-K,I-in and to roles for discrete Ca2+ flux pathways in feedback co ntrol of the K+ channels by membrane voltage.