Objective: To investigate the association of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms and multidrug resistance (MDR) mechanism in KBV200 cells.
Methods: Western blotting was utilized to examine the expression and subcellular distribution of PKC isoforms were measured in KBV200 cells with MDR and drug-sensitive KB cells, and the fluorescence intensity of PKC isoforms was detected by flow cytometry (FCM).
Results: KBV200 cells possessed higher PKC activities, with increased percentage of membrane fraction. As compared with parental KB cells, the expression of PKCalpha was significantly increased in KBV200 cells, while PKCbeta and epsilon expressions remained unchanged, and PKCgamma and zeta failed to be detected. Fluorescence intensity of PKCalpha in KBV200 cells was increased.
Conclusion: PKC might contribute to MDR phenotype in KBV200 cells, and of the isoforms so far detected, PKCalpha might play an important role in MDR phenotype.