Non linear volume flow dependence on osmotic pressure difference in frog skin.

The volume flow dependence upon the osmotic pressure difference of both impermeant (sucrose) and permeable (NaCl) species has been investigated in leg skin bags of Rana esculenta. It is concluded: 1. The hydration-dehydration error in the flow measurement with leg skin bags is negligible. 2. The flow-force relationship is non-linear. 3. Unstirred layers and solute permeation have little, if any, influence on non linearity. 4. Structural modifications of the skin induced with hypertonic solutions have been observed and may contribute to non linearity, as well as the multiple-barrier effect.