Effect of oxytocin on transepithelial transport of water and Na+ in distinct ventral regions of frog skin (Rana catesbeiana)

Chloride conductance and mitochondria-rich cell density in isolated skin of Rana catesbeiana acclimated to various environments

The Cl- conductance in isolated skin of frogs (Rana catesbeiana) acclimated to 30 mM solutions of NaCl, Na2SO4, MgCl2 and distilled water (DW) was studied. Transepithelial potential difference (PDtrans), short-circuit current (ISC) and total conductance (Gt) were measured under conditions such that there was Cl- flux in the presence and absence of Na+ transport. The Cl- content of the mucosal solution was acutely replaced with SO42- or gluconate to evaluate the effect of removal of Cl- conductance on electrophysiological parameters. Mitochondria-rich cell density (DMRC) was also measured. Skins from frogs acclimated to NaCl and Na2SO4 showed the lowest and the highest D(MRC), respectively, but no difference could be found between the skins from frogs acclimated to DW and MgCl2 indicating that DMRC is not unconditionally dependent on environmental Cl- in this species. Frogs acclimated to NaCl showed marked differences when compared to the other groups: the highest Gt, probably represented by a higher paracellular conductance; the lowest transepithelial electrical potential difference which remained invariant after replacement of mucosal Cl- with SO42- or replacement of mucosal Cl- with gluconate and an inwardly oriented positive current in the absence of bilateral Na+.