Tetrodotoxin‐resistant sodium current of rat nodose neurones: monovalent cation selectivity and divalent cation block.

1. Monovalent cation selectivity and divalent cation sensitivity of the tetrodotoxin (TTX)‐resistant Na+ current in dissociated adult rat nodose ganglion neurones were investigated using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique. 2. The TTX‐resistant Na+ current was isolated using ion substitution and pharmacological agents. Under these conditions, the current reversal potential shifted 52 mV per tenfold change in external [Na+]. 3. Inorganic and organic monovalent cation permeability ratios (Px/PNa) were determined from changes in reversal potential and the Goldman‐Hodgkin‐Katz equation. The Px/PNa values determined by the former method were HONH3+, 1.38; Li+, 1.00; H2NNH3+, 0.66; NH4+, 0.28; CH3NH3+, less than 0.13; K+, less than 0.13; Rb+, less than 0.12; Cs+, less than 0.10; (CH3)4N+, less than 0.10. The values determined by either method agreed within 10%. 4. The effects of Cd2+, Co2+, Mn2+ and Ni2+ on the TTX‐resistant Na+ current were analysed from peak‐conductance values. These ions shifted the activation of the current to more positive potentials and decreased the maximal conductance. At 3 mM concentrations, Cd2+, Ni2+, Co2+ and Mn2+ decreased the maximal conductance 64.6, 50.7, 25.0 and 20.3%, respectively. 5. The results indicate that: (a) the monovalent cation selectivity of the TTX‐resistant Na+ current is similar to that of the TTX‐sensitive Na+ current in other tissues; and (b) the TTX‐resistant Na+ current is less sensitive to divalent cations than the Ca2+ current in these neurones. These observations suggest that the structure determining the monovalent cation permeability of the TTX‐resistant Na+ current is similar to that of the TTX‐sensitive Na+ current in other tissues, and that the channels carrying the TTX‐resistant Na+ current are distinct from those responsible for the Ca2+ current.