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Intercellular junctions of frog skin epithelial cells

Nature volume 264, pages 469–471 (1976)Cite this article

Abstract

IT has been suggested that junctional complexes between epithelial cells provide intercellular exchange of electrolytes1–3, which will result in more or less coupled behaviour and functional homogeneity of neighbouring cells. In epithelia, such as frog skin, built up of several layers, electrolyte exchange through low-resistance junctions between the different cell layers would, in addition, allow participation of all layers in active transepithelial transport of ions and increase the amount of ATPase involved in transport. Na exchange between the different layers of the frog skin epithelium has recently been demonstrated in K+-depolarised Ouabain-poisoned skins4. The microelectrode experiments reported here show that low resistance connections between the different cell layers exist even under normal conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physiologisches Institut der Universität, Pettenkoferstrasse 72, D-8000, München, 2, West Germany

    WOLFRAM NAGEL

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  1. WOLFRAM NAGEL
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NAGEL, W. Intercellular junctions of frog skin epithelial cells. Nature 264, 469–471 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/264469a0

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