We have generated HEK293 cell lines stably expressing high levels of either the human BK channel alpha-subunit alone or the BK channel alpha-subunit and beta-subunit together. For co-expression a plasmid with three expression cassettes was constructed. Patch-clamp recordings on inside-out patches from the transfected cells resulted in macroscopic currents reflecting the expression of 200-800 BK channels per patch. No decrease in channel expression could be detected in cells grown for more than 50 passages. The alpha-subunit when expressed alone conducted currents which were sensitive to intracellular Ca2+ in the physiological range. In the presence of the beta-subunit the steady-state activation curves were shifted by -20 to -30 mV and channel deactivation kinetics were slowed. The BK channel opener NS1608 (10 microM) shifted the steady-state activation curves for the alpha-subunit as well as for the alphabeta-subunits by -40 to -50 mV.