Transepithelial transport kinetics and Na entry in frog skin: effects of novobiocin

Na+ entry across the outer surface of frog skin and transepithelial Na transport were studied simultaneously at different [Na] in either the presence or absence of novobiocin by direct measurements of J12 (unidirectional uptake) and Io (short-circuit current). J12 consisted of two components: one linear, the other saturable. The kinetic parameters of the saturating components in controls were close to the kinetic parameters of overall transepithelial transport (Jm12 = 1.68+/-0.13 mleq cm-2h-1; Io =1.80+/-0.14 mueq cm-2h-1. K12 = 6.02+/-1.27 mM;Kio=6.12+/-1.33 mM). Novobiocin significantly augmented net transepithelial Na transport by increasing J13. J31 remained unaffected. A 1:1 relationship between the saturating component of J12 and Io was observed in both treated and untreated skins at all [Na] tested. (Jm12Iom, k12, and Kio were significantly larger in treated skins, but despite very drastic changes in transport rates, a close correlation between kinetic parameters of entry step and transepithelial transport was maintained. This suggests that the kinetics of transepithelial transport may simply reflect those of the rate-limiting step: the Na entry across the outer barrier of the skin. The results indicate that the linear component of J12 is not involved in transepithelial transport kinetics.