Permeability and channel structure of reptilian skin.

A study of the permeability of shed epidermis from some terrestrial and freshwater snakes was conducted. Permeability to Br, Na, and K ions was very low and showed a higher influx than efflux in most cases. Permeability to the smaller water molecule was much greater, and in contrast efflux was higher than influx. Skins from aquatic snakes with larger water permeabilities also showed greater permeabilities to Na and K. The highly aquatic Regina septemvittata has the most permeable skin of any snake. Ethanol fluxes were higher than expected for a tracer of its size, perhaps due to its solubility in lipid. Na fluxes through whole live skins of Nerodia cyclopion floridana in vitro were not significantly different from those of the shed skin alone. Isolated hinge regions showed complete water impermeability, suggesting that channels through the skin are located only in the scale region. Dermal water efflux into dry air was considerably less than water-to-water efflux. Lipid extraction increased permeability markedly and eliminated the asymmetry of water and ion fluxes. Lipid replacement with linoleic acid restored half of the water impermeability lost during extraction. Protein extraction did not significantly increase membrane permeability but did eliminate the permeability difference between dry and hydrated skins. Two sizes of lipid-lined channels extending through a protein matrix are suggested as a possible model for snake skin. The diameter of the channels apparently varies in relation to the differing water, Na, and Cl concentrations on opposite sides of the skin, but the mechanism of this adjustment is unknown.