Effects of Cr(3+) ions on electrophysiological parameters of isolated skin of toad Pleurodema thaul

In view of the toxicity of chromium (Cr(3+)) ions, it was explored the damaging effects that this ion could induce in cell membranes. The measurement of the effects induced by Cr(3+) ions on electrophysiological parameters of short-circuit current and on the potential difference were investigated using the outer side (mucosal) and the inner side (serosal) of toad Pleurodema thaul skin. The results showed a decreased on electrophysiological parameters when it were administered concentrations of 33, 100 and 200 μM of Cr(3+), the results also suggest that the administration of Cr(3+) inhibits the ion transport in toad skin by the interaction of Cr(3+) with lipid bilayers or protein constituents of membrane, and not by an inhibition of the active transport of ions across Na(+) channels.