There is growing evidence that E-type voltage dependent Ca(2+) channels (Ca(v)2.3) are involved in triggering and controlling pivotal cellular processes like neurosecretion and long-term potentiation. The mechanism underlying a novel Ca(2+) dependent stimulation of E-type Ca(2+) channels was investigated in the context of the recent finding that influx of Ca(2+) through other voltage dependent Ca(2+) channels is necessary and sufficient to directly activate protein kinase C (PKC). With Ba(2+) as charge carrier through Ca(v)2.3 channel alpha(1) subunits expressed in HEK-293 cells, activation of PKC by low concentrations of phorbol ester augmented peak I(Ba) by approximately 60%. In addition, the non-inactivating fraction of I(Ba) was increased by more than three-fold and recovery from short-term inactivation was accelerated. The effect of phorbol ester on I(Ba) was inhibited by application of the specific PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I. With Ca(2+) as charge carrier, application of phorbol ester did not change the activity of Ca(v)2.3 currents but they were modified by the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I. These results suggest that with Ca(2+) as charge carrier the incoming Ca(2+) can activate PKC, thereby augmenting Ca(2+) influx into the cytosol. No modulation of Ca(v)2.3 channels by PKC was observed when an arginine rich region in the II-III loop of Ca(v)2.3 was eliminated. Receptor independent stimulation of PKC and its interaction with Ca(v)2.3 channels therefore represents an important positive feedback mechanism to decode electrical signals into a variety of cellular functions.