Abnormal Ca2(+)-ATPase activity in erythrocytes of non-insulin-dependent diabetic rats

Non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDD) rats have an increased Ca2(+)-ATPase activity in their kidney basolateral membranes. We find that a similar increased activity occurs in erythrocytes of the NIDD animals. This alteration in membrane ATPase activity appears to be specific for the Ca2(+)-ATPase as (Na(+) + K+) and Mg2(+)-ATPase and Na, K and Mg concentrations in the erythrocyte were not affected by the diabetic condition in these animals. Thus, abnormalities in membrane Ca2(+)-ATPase activity in the NIDD rats are not restricted to one tissue and appear to be a generalized pathology in the NIDD animals.