Cyclic AMP- and calcium-activated chloride currents in Leydig cells isolated from mature rat testis

Using the whole-cell recording technique, we have investigated some properties of the membrane currents induced by depolarization of Leydig cells isolated from mature rat testis. Internal perfusions with cyclic AMP or calcium induce currents which reveal the properties of the cyclic AMP-activated and calcium-activated chloride conductances. Both currents are sensitive to EC1 displacement and are similarly affected by SITS and DIDS, two stilbene-derived chloride channel blockers. However, at the resting membrane potential, the cyclic AMP-dependent, not the calcium dependent conductance, is activated. We discuss the involvement of these results in the physiology of the Leydig cells.