PKC-dependent IL-6 production and inhibition of IL-8 production by PKC activation in normal human skin fibroblasts under extremely high hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract

Normal human dermal fibroblasts were found to survive and to be active in producing interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 under extremely high hydrostatic pressure, up to 40 MPa (1 atm=0.101325 MPa=1.03323 kgf/cm(2)), for 20 min. An inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC) reduced the amount of IL-6 production, whereas IL-8 production was increased following pressure application. The activation of PKC in response to exposure to the pressure stress was detected by using the PKC-specific probe Rim-1. These findings indicate that IL-6 production induced by hydrostatic pressure stresses was dependent on the PKC signaling pathway. In contrast, pressure-induced IL-8 production was inhibited by PKC activity.