Analysis of changes in sodium and chloride ion transport in the skin

The measurement of electric potential and resistance reflect the transport of sodium and chloride ions which take place in keratinocytes and is associated with skin response to stimuli arising from external and internal environment. The aim of the study was to assess changes in electrical resistance and the transport of chloride and sodium ions, under iso-osmotic conditions and following the use of inhibitors affecting these ions’ transport, namely amiloride (A) and bumetanide (B). The experiment was performed on 104 fragments of rabbit skin, divided into three groups: control (n = 35), A—inhibited sodium transport (n = 33) and B—inhibited chloride transport (n = 36). Measurement of electrical resistance (R) and electrical potential (PD) confirmed tissue viability during the experiment, no statistically significant differences in relation to control conditions were noted. The minimal and maximal PD measured during stimulation confirmed the repeatability of the recorded reactions to the mechanical and mechanical–chemical stimulus for all examined groups. Measurement of PD during stimulation showed differences in the transport of sodium and chloride ions in each of the analyzed groups relative to the control. The statistical analysis of the PD measured in stationary conditions and during mechanical and/or mechanical–chemical stimulation proved that changes in sodium and chloride ion transport constitute the physiological response of keratinocytes to changes in environmental conditions for all applied experimental conditions. Assessment of transdermal ion transport changes may be a useful tool for assessing the skin condition with tendency to pain hyperactivity and hypersensitivity to xenobiotics.