Nerve growth factor stimulates protein kinase C translocation in PC12 cells.

The effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on the activity and intracellular localization of protein kinase C (PKC) in pheochromocytoma PC12 cells was studied. By using immunoblotting, immunofluorescence method and phorbol ester binding, NGF was found to induce PKC translocation from the cytoplasm into the cell membrane. This process was accompanied by an increase in the protein kinase activity in the membrane fraction. Translocation was completely blocked by H-7, a protein kinase inhibitor potentiating the neurite-stimulating activity of NGF.