Effects of substances affecting protein kinase C on histamine-evoked stimulation of cyclic AMP formation in chick cerebral cortex.

In membrane preparation of chick cerebral cortex, HA (histamine) did not affect both basal and forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity. However, in slices of chick cerebral cortex prelabeled with [3H]adenine, HA, as well as 2-methylHA, 4-methylHA, and N alpha-methylHA, potently increased [3H]cyclic AMP accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner. The stimulatory effect of the HA-ergic compounds on cyclic AMP formation was antagonized by HA H2-receptor blockers (aminopotentidine, ranitidine), and by chelerythrine (50 microM), a potent and selective inhibitor of PKC (protein kinase C). Of the two other tested PKC inhibitors H-7 (100 microM) significantly reduced the HA action, while the effect of staurosporine (1 microM) did not reach the level of statistical significance. Preincubation of chick cerebral cortical slices with a PKC activator, PDB (4 beta-phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, 1 microM), markedly enhanced the accumulation of cyclic AMP evoked by HA, 2-methylHA, 4-methylHA and N alpha-methylHA. 4 beta-Phorbol, inactive on PKC, was ineffective. A possible role of PKC in the regulation of HA-induced cyclic AMP synthesis in chick cerebrum has been discussed.