Human erythrocyte membranes metabolize inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate [Ins(1,3,4,5)P4] to inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate [Ins(1,3,4)P3] in the presence of Mg2+. In the absence of Mg2+ a less rapid conversion of Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 into Ins(1,4,5)P3 was revealed. Such an enzyme activity, if present in hormonally sensitive cells, could provide a mechanism for maintaining constant concentrations of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, important for stimulation of Ca2+ entry after Ca2+ mobilization.
