The effect of copper on frog skin: the role of sulphydryl groups.

1. Cu2+ at a concentration of 10-4 M, when applied to the external side of the frog skin produces an increase in the short-circuit current (Isc). 2. This effect was studied in skins of Rana temporaria adapted to cold,(5 degrees C) and room temperature (20 degrees C), skins of Rana pipiens adapted to cold, and the results compared with those obtained previously with Rana ribibunda. 3. The observed effect is less dependent upon the adaptation to cold than upon the functional state of the skin: skins with low short circuit currents have a bigger response to Cu2+ than skins with high Isc. 4. A species difference cannot be ruled out since skins of Rana ribibunda exhibiting high Isc give good responses to Cu2+. 5. 5,5' -dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid), a sulphydryl-oxidizing reagent, produces an effect similar to that of Cu2+, and dithiothreitol an SH-reducing agent, reverses the effect of this ion. 6. Cu2+ also induces an increase in the unidirectional K+ fluxes and unmasks a net outward potassium flux. 7. The outward K+ flux induced by Cu2+ is sensitive to ouabain. 8. It is concluded that Cu2+ increases the permeability of the external barrier of the frog skin to Na+ and K+, probably by reacting with SH groups.