THE WWW HOME OF PROTEIN KINASE C
PKC
Genes
Reviews
Unique
Identifier
99440875
Authors
Institution
Department of
Pathology, Cell Biology and Anatomy, Thomas Jefferson
University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. stubbsc@jeflin.tju.edu
University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. stubbsc@jeflin.tju.edu
Title
Ethanol and protein kinase C. [Review] [110
refs]
refs]
Source
Alcoholism:
Clinical & Experimental Research. 23(9):1552-60, 1999 Sep.
NLM Journal
Code
35x
Country of
Publication
United
States
MeSH Subject
Headings
Abstract
Protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in the control
of many key signaling pathways in cells. Investigations over the past decade
have shown that many effects of ethanol on cell function are closely interconnected with
PKC. Three distinct areas of investigation have emerged; they are reviewed in
this article. In vitro studies show that ethanol and higher alcohols can both inhibit
or enhance PKC activity, depending on the experimental conditions. These
studies show that alcohols interact directly with PKC, suggesting at least some
role of this interaction in intoxication and anesthesia. Most ion channel
systems are modulated by ethanol to varying degrees, and inhibition of PKC
attenuates this effect; however, the mechanism by which ethanol brings about
this effect is not known. Lastly, prolonged or chronic ethanol exposure up-regulates
PKC, an effect that has important consequences, for example, in neuronal development; again, the mechanism
leading to this process is not understood. The current consensus is that PKC
is intimately involved in acute and chronic ethanol action, and the challenge now is to determine the
mechanisms involved so that strategies can be developed to control these
effects. [References: 110]
Registry
Numbers
EC 2-7-1 (Protein Kinase C). 0 (Central
Nervous System Depressants). 0 (Ion Channels). 64-17-5 (Ethanol).
Nervous System Depressants). 0 (Ion Channels). 64-17-5 (Ethanol).