Increase in activity of Na+, K+-ATPase by Porphyrin compounds as treatment for Dysnatremias caused by Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to test the action of Porphyrin compounds, Tetraphenylporphine sulfonate (TPPS), 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis (4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrinato Iron(III) Chloride (FeTPPS) and 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis (4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrinato Iron(III) nitrosyl Chloride (FeNOTPPS), on Na+, K+ -ATPase of cell membrane of erythrocytes. METHODS Enzymatic assays, measuring the amount of inorganic phosphate produced, were used to estimate the activity of Na+, K+-ATPase. RESULTS The results show that Porphyrin compounds exert an insulin-like effect on Na+, K+-ATPase. They act by increasing the activity of the membrane-bound enzyme. CONCLUSION All the three Porphyrin compounds increased the activity of erythrocyte Na+, K+-ATPase. The exact mechanism of action of these compounds is not clear.