Effects of calcium on the steady outward currents at the equator of the rat lens.

The relationships between calcium and the steady outward currents at the equator of the rat lens were studied using the vibrating probe technique. In a calcium-free medium, the current was greatly increased and it returned to its original level when calcium was restored to the medium. The Ca-free effect was not observed in Na-free medium. Iodoacetate (IAA) inhibited the initial current, but a current then returned which is referred to as a secondary current. The secondary current was not observed in a Ca-free medium and, therefore, it is thought to be a calcium-dependent potassium current. These responses are consistent with effects on potassium efflux measured by others and lend support to the interpretation that the outward currents observed at the equator of the rat lens are potassium currents. The currents are partially inhibited but not abolished in Na-free bathing medium. This is consistent with the view that the inward currents at the optical poles may be related to the influx of sodium.