Protein kinase C gene expression in dispersed guinea-pig gastric parietal cells

Background Aims: It has been implicated that protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in gastric acid secretion. The purpose of this study is to examine whether mRNA expression of PKC isoforms is observed in guinea-pig gastric parietal cells, and whether such PKC expression is regulated by agonists that stimulate gastric acid secretion. Methods: Expression of PKC mRNA was assessed using isolated guinea-pig gastric parietal cells treated with or without three kinds of agonists by Nothern blot analysis. Results: (1) alpha, gamma and zeta PKC mRNAs were expressed in guinea-pig gastric parietal cells; (2) both carbachol and gastrin increased the level of alpha and gamma PKC mRNAs, but synthesis of zeta PKC mRNA was not affected by these agonists, and (3) histamine did not affect the expression level of alpha, gamma and zeta PKC mRNAs. Conclusion: alpha and gamma PKC isoforms may be involved in the regulation of gastric acid secretion.