Properties of cAMP-dependent and Ca2+-dependent whole cell Cl- conductances in rat epididymal cells

The Cl- conductance of rat epididymal cells was studied by observing its response to adenosine 3'-5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and ionomycin. Whole-cell patch-clamp analysis revealed varied Cl- conductance properties in response to the substances. cAMP-stimulated Cl- conductance displaayed a direct current-voltage relationship and was independent of time and voltage. The converse was observed for ionomycin-stimulated Cl- conductance which also showed a different anion permselectivity. The findings revealed that epididymal cells are related to cystic fibrosis affected epithelium.