Membrane water permeability alterations induced by pollutants.

Abstract

Lead ions and the surfactant nonylphenolethoxylate are found to inhibit the active transport-coupled water flow in the leg skin of Rana esculenta. The water permeability for osmotically driven flows remains unchanged for high flows, while it is remarkable lowered near zero osmotic pressure difference. The possible mechanism of the permeability change is discussed in connection with the available data on the electrophysiological effects of the pollutants.