Effect of ambroxol on ion transport -- a model study.

BACKGROUND: Effect on ambroxol on reflexive physiological reactions of isolated frog skin was studied with electrophysiological methods designed to assess ion currents occurring in epithelial tissues or organs. The experiments permitted to analyze an effect of ambroxol on regulatory mechanisms, which in turn influence the constant electrical potential defined as PD and reversible changes of this potential during mechanical stimulation (marked as dPD). A contribution of sodium- and chloride ions transport to the value of transepithelial electrical potential of frog skin (before and after ambroxol administration) 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 fragments of hybrid frog (Rana esculenta L.), representing 14 specimens. The experiments involved measuring the transepithelial 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 turn depend on mechanical stimulation. The reaction of hyperpolarization decreased immediately after administration of ambroxol to the stimulating fluid, when transepithelial transport of sodium ion was maintained in the preparations studied. Consequently, no effect of ambroxol on the frog skin incubated with amiloride was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: It has been demonstrated, based on the experiments carried out in the present study, 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.