Dendritic cells (DC) were enriched from murine spleen by exploiting their intermediate density and transient weak adherence. The isolated population contained excellent antigen presenting cells with high surface expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II determinants thus exhibiting crucial immunofunctional characteristics of DC. Cells of typical dendritic shape were electrophysiologically analysed using the whole cell configuration of the patch clamp technique. All 26 cells expressed only outward K+ currents comparable to those detected in cytokine-activated microglia. Co-purified splenic macrophages, in contrast, displayed an inward rectifying K+ current.
