Increased sodium plus potassium adenosine triphosphatase activity in erythrocyte membranes in Huntington's disease

Abstract

Dopa‐decarboxylase, acetylcholinesterase, sodium plus potassium stimulated adenosine triphosphatase (Na⁺ + K⁺ − ATPase), and membrane‐bound protein kinase were compared in the erythrocytes of patients with Huntington's disease and normal controls. All these enzymes also exist in the basal ganglia. The Na⁺ + K⁺‐ATPase level was elevated (p < 0.05) in Huntington's disease, while no significant changes were observed in the other enzymes. This finding is consistent with the concept that Huntington's disease is associated with a general membrane abnormality.