Single-file diffusion through K+ channels in frog skin epithelium

The ratio between the unidirectional fluxes of K+ across the frog skin with K-permeable outer membranes was determined in the absence of Na+ in the apical solutions. The experiments were performed under presteady-state conditions to be able to separate the flux ratio for K+ through the cells from contributions to the fluxes through extracellular leaks. The cellular flux ratio deviated strongly from the value calculated from the flux ratio for electrodiffusion. The experiments can be explained if the passive K transport through the epithelial cells proceeds through specific channels by single-file diffusion with a flux ratio exponent of about 2.5.