Membrane protein phosphorylation in the intact erythrocytes of genetically dystrophic hamsters

Membrane protein phosphorylation has been measured in both normal and dystrophic (BIO 53.58) hamsters. After radiolabeling intact erythrocytes with exogenous 32Pi, band 3 polypeptides from dystrophic hamsters had increased incorporation of 32P, compared to age-matched controls. This was verified by membrane protein fractionation. The use of intact cell phosphorylation avoids many of the sources of experimental variability noted in experiments with isolated membranes. This work, using an animal model for the disease, supports the hypothesis of a generalized membrane defect in the muscular dystrophies.