Sodium and chloride transport in the isolated human cornea

22Na and 36Cl fluxes in isolated human cornea preparations were measured under short-circuited conditions. At pH 7.3-PH 7.6 sodium net flux was directed from aqueous humour to tear side, chloride net flux was statistically not different from zero. Alkalinization of the bathing solution to pH 8.6 stimulated unidirectional sodium and chloride fluxes from aqueous humour to tear side resulting in net sodium and chloride fluxes towards the tear side which both were statistically different from zero. Cyclic AMP (10(-3) M) was found to stimulate sodium and chloride unidirectional fluxes from aqueous humour to tear side, thus leading to significant net sodium and chloride fluxes in the same direction. Epinephrine (10(-4) M) increased the unidirectional chloride flux from aqueous humour to tear side more pronounced than in the opposite direction, producing a significant net chloride flux towards the tear side. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the electrolyte pumps may under certain conditions contribute to the dehydration of the stroma.