Effect of protein kinase C activation on glomerular mesangial cells in response to high glucose

Objective To investigate the activity and possible role of protein kinase C (PKC) in mesangial cells in response to high glucose. Methods Rat mesangial cells were cultured and the PKC activity was measured by liquid scintillation counting. 3H-thymidine incorporation was used to assess cellular proliferation. Production of fibronectin( FN) was analysed by ELISA. Results Compared to normal glucose, high glucose increased the activity of PKC and the production of EN, and decreased 3H-TdR incorporation. Inhibition of PKC with phorbol ester for 24 hours blocked the increase of FN but had no effect on cellular proliferation under high glucose medium. Conclusion High glucose can activate PKC in mesangial cells and contribute to deposition of extracelluar matrix of diabetic nephropathy.