Ionic channels encoded by mRNA extracted from carp olfactory epithelium were investigated by injection into Xenopus laevis oocytes. The oocytes expressed an inward rectifier K+ -channel, as detected under two-electrode voltage clamp conditions. The results were as follows. An inactivating inward current appeared on hyperpolarization and increased with increasing extracellular K+ concentrations. The 0 current potentials plotted as a function of log [K+]0 in the range between 2 to 20 mMK+ fell on a straight line, with a slope of 58 mV per tenfold change in K+ concentration, indicating that the current carrier is K+. Chord conductances reached saturation levels on extreme hyperpolarization. The chord conductances at the saturation levels were 35.7, 22.5, and 13.4 muSec in 20, 10, and 5 mM extracellular K+, respectively. Extracellular application of 0.1 mM Cs+ or 0.1 mM Ba2+ blocked the inward current in 2 mM K+, whereas 1 microM TTX or 0.3 mM Cd2+ did not affect the inward current. Inactivation of the inward currents, which became clear on extreme hyperpolarization, was suppressed with decreasing extracellular Na+ concentration. The present results suggest that carp olfactory epithelium is rich in the inward rectifier and is an excellent source of mRNA for cloning cDNA coding the inward rectifier.