Potassium and calcium currents and action potentials in mouse Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts

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Abstract
The electrical properties of Balb/c 3T3 mouse fibroblasts were studied with the whole-cell patch clamp technique. In current clamp mode a resting potential of —75.5±2.1 mV was recorded. In voltage clamp mode an inward current was also observed at potentials negative toV m. This current crossed the 0-current axis at a voltage nearV m, and rectified at more positive potentials; the degree of rectification was dependent on [K+]o. At potentials positive to −30 mV a transient inward current was observed, showing a peak amplitude of −193±36 pA at+10 mV; the current amplitude was dependent on voltage and [Ca2+]o, it was strongly increased by 20 mM BaCl2 and abolished by 2 μM verapamil and 1 μM nifedipine. These cells, in response to depolarizing stimuli, develop slow action potentials, probably supported by the Ca2+ current.