Abstract

BACKGROUND: Effect on ambroxol on reflexive physiological reactions ofisolated frog skin was studied with electrophysiological methods designed to assess ion currents occurringin epithelial tissues or organs. The experiments permitted to analyze an effect of ambroxol on regulatorymechanisms, which in turn influence the constant electrical potential defined as PD and reversible changesof this potential during mechanical stimulation (marked as dPD). A contribution of sodium- and chlorideions transport to the value of transepithelial electrical potential of frog skin (before and after ambroxoladministration) has been demonstrated using amiloride - a blocker of sodium ion transport and bumetanide- a blocker of chloride ion transport.MATERIAL/METHODS: The experimental material comprised 34 fragmentsof hybrid frog (Rana esculenta L.), representing 14 specimens. The experiments involved measuring thetransepithelial electrical potential (PD in mV) on an isolated frog skin placed in an Ussing apparatus.RESULTS:It has been demonstrated that ambroxol influences the processes of ion transport (dPD) which in turndepend on mechanical stimulation. The reaction of hyperpolarization decreased immediately after administrationof ambroxol to the stimulating fluid, when transepithelial transport of sodium ion was maintained inthe preparations studied. Consequently, no effect of ambroxol on the frog skin incubated with amiloridewas recorded.CONCLUSIONS: It has been demonstrated, based on the experiments carried out in the presentstudy, that ambroxol can modify processes of ion transport related to activation of sensory receptors.In particular, it can influence the stimulated transepithelial sodium ion transport in frog skin.

Keywords: Ambroxol, in vitro, Ion Transport, Membrane Potentials, Rana esculenta, Skin