Abstract
Abstract. Increasing evidence suggests that in experimental diabetes an impairment in Na+, K+–ATPase activity plays a central role in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications, while only a few data are available with regard to human subjects. We studied the erythrocyte membrane Na+, K+‐ATPase activity and membrane fluidity in insulin‐dependent and non‐insulin‐dependent diabetic subjects. A significant decrease in the enzyme activity and in fluorescence polarization values was found in both groups compared with normal subjects. Neither Na+, K+‐ATPase activity nor membrane fluidity was found to be related to metabolic control, assessed by means of fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c. On the contrary, a significant correlation was observed between Na+, K+‐ATPase activity and membrane fluidity in both insulin‐dependent and non‐insulin‐dependent diabetic subjects. The present work provides evidence that a reduction in the Na+, K+‐ATPase activity is present in the plasma membranes of insulin‐dependent and non‐insulin‐dependent diabetics. Furthermore, it suggests that the change in enzyme activity might be related to modifications in membrane fluidity.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have