A Fixed Charge Model of the Transverse Tubular System of Frog Sartorius

Volume changes of the transverse tubular system (T system) of frog sartorius in different solutions can be explained by a model which assumes fixed negative charges in the T system lumen, an open T system mouth, and a Donnan equilibrium between the T system and external solution. The T system volume is regulated by the osmotic pressure difference between the lumen and external solution, as well as by constraining forces whose nature is as yet unclear. The decreased swelling tendency produced by hypotonic solutions and increased tendency produced by some hypertonic solutions are ascribed to changes in the pressure constraint from the sarcoplasm. Fixed charge concentration was estimated tentatively from swelling and resistivity data to be between 0.1 and 0.4 M.