The application of
hexadecane on animals skin induces hyperkeratinization and
hyperplasia of the epidermis, however, the initial mechanisms of the epidermal cell proliferation and keratinization by
hexadecane stimulation remains unknown.
Protein kinase C is reported to be one of the critical
enzymes involved in proliferation and differentiation of various cells and tissues. Therefore we investigated the effects of
hexadecane on
protein kinase C in pig epidermis.
Protein kinase C activity of the pig skin increased 10 min after topical application of
hexadecane to the back of the pig, normalized at 30 min, and subsequently kept falling for 24 h. In studying
hexadecane dropped on floating sliced pig skin in Krebs
buffer, similar results were obtained for the short term. Immediately after the
hexadecane treatment,
protein kinase C activity was not altered as compared with that of the untreated skin. Thus, the alteration of the
protein kinase C activity after the
hexadecane treatment is not due to the direct effect of
hexadecane on the
enzyme, but is due to other as yet unknown mechanisms of epidermal cell kinetics in response to
hexadecane stimulation. We discuss the mechanisms of
protein kinase C activity alteration upon treatment with
hexadecane.