Low‐conductance high selective inositol (1,4,5)‐trisphosphate activated Ca2+ channels in plasma membrane of A431 carcinoma cells

Abstract
In many cells, activation of receptors coupled to PIP2 turnover results in Ca2+ release from the intracellular stores accompanied by Ca2+ influx across the PM. It is not well established yet whether Ca2+ influx is activated by IP3 or by an unknown signal generated upon Ca2+ store depletion. We report here a single‐channel study of low‐conductance IP3‐activated channels of very high selectivity for Ca2+ in the PM of A431 carcinoma cells. The channels are strongly potential dependent and sensitive to [Ca2+]i within the physiological range. The data obtained argues for IP3 acting directly on plasma membrane Ca2+ channels.