Neuronal tissues display high levels of protein kinase C (PKC) activity and
isoform expression. The activation of this enzymatic system is important i
n the control of short and long term brain functions (ion channel regulatio
n, receptor modulation, neurotransmitter release, synaptic potentiation/dep
ression, neuronal survival) that are related to diverse brain pathologies.
This review will describe recent developments in PKC regulation and changes
in levels, isoforms and activation in acute and chronic neurodegenerative
pathologies as well as in affective and psychic disorders. The recent avail
ability of isoform selective inhibitors and activators may help to understa
nd better the relevance of PKC in central nervous system (CNS) physiology a
nd pathology and to identify new and safer pharmacologic strategies to be t
ested in different disease states. (C) 2001 Academic Press.