[Activity of membrane-bound protein kinase C and ATPase in erythrocytes in diabetic angiopathy].

The activities of protein kinase C, total, Mg2 and Na+, K(+)-dependent ATPases in red cell membranes were compared in 46 patients with insulin independent, 30 ones with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus with various degrees of vascular disorders, and in 17 patients with atherosclerosis with the predominant involvement of the main vessels of the lower limbs. Diabetes mellitus and the progress of vascular disorders were associated with a more marked depression of protein kinase C, total and Na+, K(+)-dependent ATPase activities, this being particularly characteristic of the patients with insulin-independent diabetes and macrovascular disorders. Inhibited activities of protein kinase C and ATPases in red cell membranes in the course of diabetic vascular disorders progress evidence their contribution to the pathogenesis of diabetic angiopathy.