Erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase activity in smokers and in diabetic patients.

Carbonic anhydrase activity was measured in lyzed erythrocytes from smoking and non-smoking young men as well as from diabetic and healthy young women. Enzyme activity was determined by a changing-pH-assay, using a stirred reaction vessel and glass pH electrode. CAA was lower in smokers than in non-smokers. Furthermore, it was lower in diabetics than in nondiabetic controls. We conclude that cigarette smoking as well as diabetes mellitus may reduce erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase activity.