Protein kinase C isoforms in the epidermal tissues of normal and postburn human skin

Because the expression of the isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC) in human b asal keratinocytes is not understood, the expression of PKC isoforms were s creened in specimens of epidermal tissue from postburn skin and the normal locations for skin grafts in patients with second or higher degrees of name injury. The expression of individual isoform was determined by Western blo t technique. Only PKC alpha and zeta were detected in the epidermal tissues of normal and postburn skin and translocation occurred in PKC alpha. Patie nts without antibiotic treatment after flame injury had higher expressions of PKC alpha and zeta. These findings indicate that the mechanisms of cellu lar differentiation and growth in postburn epidermal tissue may be related to the expression and translocation of PKC alpha induced by intra- and extr acellular stimulation. These changes in PKC alpha further activate the DAG/ PKC signal transduction pathways.