Inwardly rectifying K(+) currents are generated by a complex of four Kir (Kir1-6) subunits. Pore properties are conferred by the second transmembrane domain (M2) of each subunit. Using cadmium ions as a cysteine-interacting probe, we examined the accessibility of substituted cysteines in M2 of the Kir6.2 subunit of inwardly rectifying K(ATP) channels. The ability of Cd(2+) ions to inhibit channels was used as the estimate of accessibility. The distribution of Cd(2+) accessibility is consistent with an alpha-helical structure of M2. The apparent surface of reactivity is broad, and the most reactive residues correspond to the solvent-accessible residues in the bacterial KcsA channel crystal structure. In several mutants, single channel measurements indicated that inhibition occurred by a single transition from the open state to a zero-conductance state. Analysis of currents expressed from mixtures of control and L164C mutant subunits indicated that at least three cysteines are required for coordination of the Cd(2+) ion. Application of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-diphosphate to inside-out membrane patches stabilized the open state of all mutants and also reduced cadmium sensitivity. Moreover, the Cd(2+) sensitivity of several mutants was greatly reduced in the presence of inhibitory ATP concentrations. Taken together, these results are consistent with state-dependent accessibility of single Cd(2+) ions to coordination sites within a relatively narrow inner vestibule.