Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is believed to play a critical role in normal and pathophysiologic proliferation of mesangial cells. Recent studies have shown that MAP kinase activation by growth factors in other cell types involves activation of the low molecular weight G-protein ras and the protooncogene serine kinase c-raf-1. In this study the role of this pathway in rat renal mesangial cells was assessed. 20ng/ml of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), 10(-8) mol/L epidermal growth factor (EGF) as well as phorbol ester (10(-6) mol/L PMA) rapidly activated MAP kinase by 3-4 fold in these cells. PDGF and EGF, but not PMA were able to activate c-raf-1 and ras activity. Stimulation with inflammatory mediator PGE2 (50 mumol/L) or elevation of Intracellular cAMP by treatment of cells with forskolin (25 mumol/L) markedly blunted activation of MAP kinase induced by PDGF and EGF, but not PMA. Consistent with this observation, PGE2 abolished growth factor induced activation of c-raf-1. However, ras activation induced by growth factor was not affected by PGE2 and forskolin. These results suggest that MAP kinase activation can occur by at least two separate pathways in mesangial cells. Tyrosine kinase receptors activate MAP kinase through activation of ras and raf. This pathway can be blocked by PGE2 and elevation of cAMP, presumably by interfering with the ability of ras to activate raf. In addition, activation of protein kinase C by phorbol esters can activate MAP kinase in a ras/raf-independent manner. This pathway is not sensitive to inhibition by PGE2 or cAMP. It is likely that activation of each of these pathways, both resulting in a stimulated MAP kinase, will have different physiologic consequences in mediating mesangial cells growth.