Two ampullary epithelial properties necessary for electroreception were used to identify the types of ion channels and transporters found in apical and basal membranes of ampullary receptor cells of skates and to assess their individual role under voltage-clamp conditions. The two essential properties are (1) a steady-state negative conductance generated in apical membranes and (2) a small, spontaneous current oscillation originating in basal membranes (Lu and Fishman, 1995). The effects of pharmacological agents and ion substitutions on these properties were evaluated from transorgan or transepithelial complex admittance determinations in the frequency range 0.125 to 50 Hz measured in individual, isolated ampullary organs. In apical membranes, L-type Ca channels were found to be responsible for generation of the steady-state negative conductance. In basal membranes, K and Ca-dependent Cl (Cl(Ca)) channels were demonstrated to contribute to a net positive membrane conductance. L-type Ca channels were also evident in basal membranes and are thought to function in synaptic transmission from the electroreceptive epithelium to the primary afferent nerve. In addition to ion channels in basal membranes, two transporters (Na+/K+ pump and Na(+)-Ca+ exchanger) were apparent. Rapid (minutes) cessation of the current oscillation after blockage of any of the basal ion channels (Ca, Cl(Ca), K) suggests critical involvement of each of these channel types in the generation of the oscillation. Suppression of either Na+/K+ transport or Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange also eliminated the oscillation but at a slower rate, indicating an indirect effect.