TRANSPORT STUDIES THROUGH PERITONEAL MEMBRANE: EFFECT OF ALTERATION IN CONCENTRATION OF TRACE METAL ION

The effect of trace metals on thermodynamic properties of peritoneum has been examined. Membrane potential across peritoneal membrane of buffallo (Bof. bubalis) for various 2:1, 3:1 and 1:2 electrolyte s solutions have been measured with a view to examine the transport number of ions, effective fixed charge density and permselectivity of electrolyte systems. The transport number of co-ions decreased as the concentration of electrolyte is decreased. The applicability of different theories of membrane given by Kobatake et al. based on non-equilibrium thermodynamics have been tested. It has been observed that in biological systems also the fixed charge density is a constant quantity and does not vary with the concentrations of electrolytes as in the case of artificial membranes. Equations for 3:1 and 2:1 electrolytes have been derived, which will b e essential for evaluating the transport number o f trace metal ions. This experimental model can be used to study and calculate the transport number across biological membrane using Benventa s equation. The result of this study is valuable in understanding the influence of alteration in trace elements milieu on electro physiological behavior of all membranes.