Stretch-inactivated cationic channels in single smooth muscle cells

Stretch-inactivated channels (SICs) were identified in single smooth muscle cells freshly dissociated from the stomach of the toad, Bufo marinus. In both cell-attached and excised inside-out patches, negative pressure applied to the extracellular surface of the membrane patch suppressed the activity of SICs. These channels were permeable to cations and were not significantly permeable to Cl^–. The current-voltage relationship showed outward rectification in cell-attached patches with high NaCl in the pipette solution (2 mM MgCl₂), and the slope conductance at negative potentials was approximately 8 pS under these conditions. When divalent cations were eliminated from the pipette solution, the slope conductance at negative potentials increased to 30 pS. No significant voltage dependence of SIC gating could be observed between –100 mV and 60 mV.