Activation of hexokinase by mild insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in rat erythrocytes.

ABSTRACT

In order to reveal sequel of events responsible for increase in red cell cytosolic glucose-6 phosphate (G-6P) content of diabetic patients the enzyme producing and transforming G-6P were assayed. Increase in the activity of hexokinase and decrease in phosphoglucoisomerase activity was observed in mild insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (mIDDM) rat erythrocytes. Increase and decrease in activity of hexokinase and phosphoglucoisomerase respectively will increase the cytosolic glucose-6 phosphate content. Thus any substance which autoregulate the activity of hexokinase and maintains critical level of G-6P necessary for generation of ATP and coenzymes (NADPH & NAD+) in the prevailing hyperglycemic state can be a potential therapeutic agent for diabetic patients.