[Functioning of latrotoxin channels during pH changes].

Using the fluorescent probe BCECP, the pH dependence of Ca2+ transport in synaptosomes along alpha-latrotoxin-formed channels, was studied. It was found that the pH value in synaptosomes is equivalent to 7.16 +/- 0.09. Acidification or alkalinization of the intracellular medium by 0.1-0.3 pH units had no appreciable influence on the Ca2+ influx along latrotoxin-formed channels. Alteration of external pH caused a parallel shift in the cytoplasmic pH in the synaptosomes. The pH decrease in the external medium down to 6.0 caused the inhibition of Ca2+ fluxes along latrotoxin-formed channels. Dissipation of the proton gradient by high concentrations of KCl in the presence of nigericin decreased the latrotoxin ability to form ionic channels without any loss in the activity of the preformed channels. The influx of bivalent cations along latrotoxin-formed channels led to alkalinization of the synaptosomal cytoplasm to pH of the external medium. This pH change did not depend on the presence of Na+ in the external medium and was blocked by cadmium.