Proton modulation of ion channels in isolated horizontal cells of the goldfish retina

Transient changes in extracellular pH (pH(o)) occur in the retina and may have profound effects on neurotransmission and visual processing due to the pH sensitivity of ion channels. The present study characterized the effects of acidification on the activity of membrane ion channels in isolated horizontal cells (HCs) of the goldfish retina using whole-cell patch-clamp recording. Currents recorded from HCs were characterized by prominent inward rectification at potentials negative to -80 mV, a negative slope conductance between -70 and -40 mV, a sustained inward current, and outward rectification positive to 40 mV. Inward currents were identified as those of inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channels and Ca2+ channels by their sensitivity to 10 mM Cs+ or 20 mu M Cd2+, respectively. Both of these currents were reduced when pH(o) decreased from 7.8 to 6.8. Glutamate (1 mM)-activated currents were also identified, as were hemichannel currents that were enhanced by removal of extracellular Ca2+ and application of 1 mM quinidine. Both glutamate-activated and hemichannel currents were suppressed by a similar reduction of pH(o). When all of these H+-inhibited currents were blocked, a small, sustained inward current at -60 mV increased following a decrease in pH(o) from 7.8 to 6.8. In addition, slope conductance between -70 and -20 mV increased during this acidification. Suppression of this H+-activated current by removal of extracellular Na+, and an extrapolated E-rev near E-Na, indicated that this current was carried predominantly by Na+ ions.