A delayed all-or-none hyperpolarisation induced by a single Ca action potential in hamster eggs

A transient change of membrane potential and resistance could be evoked after a long latency (ca. 9 s) by a single calcium action potential in some unfertilised hamster eggs. The estimated reversal potential for the delayed response was close to E_K supporting the conclusion that K channels were opened indirectly by the Ca²⁺ influx through voltage-gated channels. A second action potential elicited after the first did not induce a similar response. A number of treatments (insertion of a Ca² pipette, application of Na⁺-free solution, La³⁺ or high external pH) likely to raise Ca²⁺]_i also induced similar large changes of potential and resistance after which a single action potential failed to evoke a large delayed response. The evidence indicates that a small rise in Ca²⁺]_i activates a slow process leading to a further large increase in Ca²⁺]_i.