Abstract
We measured Ca2+ exchanges across the skin of larval and adult Ambystoma tigrinum using the radio-isotope influx method. We found that the skin of both morphs takes up Ca2+ in a manner that is proportional to external [Ca2+], saturable and oriented against the electrochemical gradient for Ca2+. We conclude that this uptake occurs by active transport. Kinetic analysis yields affinities for calcium ions that are similar to the affinities for both Ca2+ and Na+ in the skin of other amphibians. The capacity for calcium is similar to Ca2+ capacity in other amphibians. The capacity for Ca2+ is lower than the capacity for Na+. Cutaneous Ca2+ deposits are lower in this urodele than found in anurans. Adults tend to have higher levels of Ca in their skin than do larvae.
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Accepted: 25 June 1999
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Zerella, M., Stiffler, D. Active transport of Calcium ions in the skin of the salamander Ambystoma tigrinum. J Comp Physiol B 169, 481–486 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003600050245
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003600050245