Differential action of TEA+ on two K+-current components of a molluscan neurone

Summary Snail neuronal membranes have two distinct outward current components. Both components are carried by K⁺-ions. They are, however, differentially influenced by Tetraethylammonium. At low concentrations in the external bath (5 mM), TEA⁺ blocks the delayed outward current only. The fast outward current is affected if higher TEA⁺ concentrations are used. Intracellular TEA⁺, applied iontophoretically, blocks both current components in a similar manner.