Protein kinases activities in erythrocyte membranes of asphyxiated newborns

Objectives: Perinatal asphyxia represents a major cause of acute brain impairment and mortality in neonates. To develop the effective therapies able to reduce post-asphyxial damages, the understanding of biochemical processes accompanying asphyxia appears to be of the great relevance. Design and methods: The activities of protein kinases A and C, and tyrosine kinases in erythrocyte membranes of healthy and asphyxiated neonatals were compared. Using monoclonal antibodies the band 3 presence and its phosphotyrosine levels were assayed. Results: In asphyxiated erythrocyte membranes the activities of PKA and tyrosine kinases increased, whereas the activity of PKC was reduced in relation to healthy newborns. Under asphyxia the band 3 has been overphosphorylated; however, its amount decreased. Conclusion: These findings may provide some evidence for a potential role of asphyxia in disturbance of phosphorylation processes in erythrocytes, as reflected by altered protein kinases activities. The diminished band 3 presence may be partially responsible for the impairment of erythrocyte function.