Platelet-activating factor stimulates protein kinase C translocation in cerebral microvessels.

The effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on distribution of protein kinase C activity in brain microvessels have been examined. Our results indicate that PAF caused an increase of protein kinase C activity in membrane, accompanied by a loss of activity in the cytosol. This effect resulted to be dose-dependent and the translocation was evident after 30 min of PAF treatment. These results suggest that PAF could play a role in transport processes in the blood-brain barrier, involving protein phosphorylation by activation of protein kinase C.