Cell Membrane Stretch Modulates the High-Conductance Ca²⁺-Activated K⁺Channel in Bovine Trabecular Meshwork Cells

Abstract

The data show that in TM cells, open probability of the BK(Ca) channel is enhanced by membrane stretching as well as by membrane depolarization and [Ca(2+)](i). Changes in membrane tension induced by cell volume increase also activated whole-cell BK(Ca) currents. Homeostatic mechanisms in TM cells may involve BK(Ca) channel activation in response either to changes in cell volume or changes in IOP.