Coupled transport of water and ions through membranes as a possible cause of cytotoxic edema.
To clarify the mechanism of cytotoxic edema, NaCl and colloid solutions were separated isoosmotically by an artificial, electronegatively charged membrane. Under control conditions, no fluid movement occurred through the membrane since it was almost impermeable, even to small ions due to high charge density of the membrane. Following elimination of the negative charge, a fluid shift through the membrane from the NaCl to the colloid compartment began, indicating that although no intercompartmental difference in chemical potential of water exists, water movement occurred coupled with ions which commenced movement along the ionic gradient across the membrane. This process is discussed from the viewpoint of non-equilibrium thermodynamics.
Nagasawa
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M
Tasaka
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Tomita
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D001692:Biological Transport; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D007477:Ions; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008954:Models, Biological; D010539:Permeability; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism*
D007477:Ions; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D014867:Water