Protein kinase activity of human erythrocyte membranes in Friedreich's ataxia.

Proteins of human erythrocyte membranes of Friedrich's ataxia patients and controls were examined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis before and after reduction with beta-mercaptoethanol. No difference could be detected in the composition of their state of aggregation. The protein kinase activity of human erythrocyte membranes of eleven Friedreich's ataxia patients and six controls was determined. No difference in their protein kinase activity could be detected. These results are discussed with respect to an involvement of a generalized membrane defect in Friedreich's ataxia.