Expression of Protein Kinase C on Allergic Nasal Mucosa

ABSTRACT

Protein Kinase C (PKC) relays information in the form of a various extracellar signals across the membrane and is known to play an important role in the production of B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes, in the antigen-presentation of Langerhans cell, and in inflammatory reactions. The presentation of allergens to T lymphocytes is likely an important aspect in the pathophysiological mechanism of allergic rhinitis. Although several theories have been formulated in allergic rhinitis, signal transduction of this disease remains unknown. In this study, we focused on the role of the enzyme PKC in the allergic mucosa of the nose. Specifically, we investigated the role and the distribution of PKC isozymes in the mucous membrane of the nose. We obtained nasal mucous membrane specimens from 10 patients with house dust mite allergy and 10 patients with normal nasal mucous membrane. We performed an immunohistochemical study, an RT-PCR, and a densitometric measurement. PKCalpha, PKCbeta, and PKCzeta proteins were detected in the subepithelial layer of the allergic mucosa. However there were no detectable reactions in the nonallergic mucosa. In the RT-PCR for PKCalpha, PKCbeta and PKCzeta, there was no difference between the allergic and nonallergic nasal mucous membrane in terms of m-RNA expression. It is possible that the signal transduction pathway of PKC and over-expression of PKC protein at the post-transcription level contribute to the development of allergic inflammation in allergic nasal mucosa.