Effects of BaCl2 on slow vacuolar ion channels on radish by patch-clamp

The effects of BaCl₂ on slow vacuolar (SV) currents of radish are studied by using the whole-vacuolar patch-clamp recording mode. The Ca²⁺-dependent SV channel can be activated by cytosolic Ca²⁺. When 1 mmol/L BaCl₂ is added into pipette solution, SV currents are suppressed remarkably. Then adding BaCl₂ of different concentrations into the bath solution, SV currents reflect different effects. The results show that BaCl₂ with a lower concentration (<3 mmol/L) promotes the channel currents and the currents are saturated when BaCl₂ concentrations are between 1 μmol/L and 1 mmol/L, but BaCl₂ with higher concentration (≥ 3 mmol/L) inhibits SV currents.