Recording of mechano-electrical transduction currents by a nystatin perforated-patch method

Mechano-electrical transduction (MET) currents in isolated cochlear hair ce lls of chicks were recorded by use of a nystatin perforated-patch method. T he membrane of a cell-attached patch was permeabilized by nystatin in the p atch pipette, thus providing electrical continuity between the pipette and the cytoplasm of the cell without loss of cytoplasmic compounds. Thr curren t-voltage relationship was linear for the inward-going MET current at negat ive membrane potentials, but outward currents were reduced at positive memb rane potentials, evidence of inward-going rectification. Elevation of the i ntracellular concentration of calcium at positive membrane potential, media ted via a voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel, may suppress the outward-going ME T current by acting from within the cell.