Effect of pH on chloride transport a across the isolated bullfrog cornea

The effect of pH on chloride fluxes and electrical parameters was studied in the isolated cornea of the frog, Rana catesbeiana. Lowering the pH from 8·6 to 7·2 produced a decrease in unidirectional and net chloride fluxes as well as in the short-circuit current and potential difference, while the electrical resistance was increased. All the effects were fully reversible when the bathing solutions were alkalized to the initial pH. It was determined that the effect was due only to the pH change on the epithelial side. Results are consistent with a pH effect on the permeability of a chloride pathway in series with the active pump.