Protein kinase C delta and alpha are involved in the development of vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage

We have previously shown the enhanced activity of protein kinase C in the m embrane fraction of the canine vasospastic artery after subarachnoid hemorr hage, which increased with progression of angiographic vasospasm. This stud y examined identification of protein kinase C isoforms in the canine basila r artery and the changes in expression and/or translocation of each isoform during the development of vasospasm. Vasospasm was produced by using the " two-hemorrhage" canine model in the basilar artery, and angiographic progre ssion of vasospasm was assessed consecutively. Two isoforms, protein kinase C alpha and delta were identified in basilar arteries by Western blotting. Densitometric analysis showed that the expression of protein kinase C delt a in the membrane fraction was significantly increased in the earlier stage , and protein kinase Ca was increased later as vasospasm progressed. These results indicate that protein kinase C delta and alpha isoforns may play a significant role in the development and maintenance of vasospasm. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.