Erythrocyte cation transport systems in insulin-dependent diabetics: correlation with prorenin and albuminuria.

The relationship between erythrocyte cation transport systems, plasma prorenin and albuminuria was examined in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Different measurements of erythrocyte transport systems were obtained in patients with IDDM: Na+/Li+ countertransport; Na+/K+ cotransport and Na+/K+ ATPase pump activity. In single regression analysis the erythrocyte Na+/Li+ countertransport was positively related to the plasma prorenin level. In multiple regression analysis the erythrocyte Na+/Li+ countertransport activity was independently related to plasma prorenin, albuminuria and age. Our data in patients with IDDM show that an elevated erythrocyte Na+/Li+ countertransport is accompanied by a higher plasma prorenin level and albuminuria.