K+-permeability of the outer border of the frog skin (R. temporaria)

Abstract

Skins from Rana temporaria, investigated with microelectrode techniques in the absence of Na uptake across the outer border (Na-free epithelial solution or amiloride), were found to be permeable to K+ at the apical membrane in 10-20% of the experiments. Full development of the K+-permeable state requires the absence of Na+ uptake for certain periods of time, which suggests that the K+-permeability of the apical membrane is higher at lower intracellular [Na]. The addition of Ba++ reduces the K+-permeability of the apical membrane. These skins may provide a model for the study of transcellular K+ movements.