Bioelectric properties and ion transport in the isolated frog lung

The aim of the study is the comparison of the basic features of the isolated amphibians lungs (R. temporaria with B. marinus and R. catesbeiana) and the evaluation of this preparation as a model of the chloride transport. Measurements of the bioelectric properties of the isolated lungs were performed according to Ussing. Chloride unidirectional fluxes were measured in chambers described by Helman according to Gatzy. The spontaneous potential difference of the lung was of the range of milivots. The short circuit current was of the order of microampers. The net flux of chloride was directed to the mucosal side. The current-voltage relationship was linear in the range of the +/- 30 microampers. The measured functions were stable during the study only when ambient temperature was about 10 degrees C.