Evidence that bacteria induce translocation of protein kinase C activity in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Particulate fraction associated protein kinase activity was studied in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated by bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus was found to increase particulate fraction associated protein kinase C activity in a time and concentration dependent manner. The increase comprised both the phospholipid dependent and independent kinase activity and was augmented by addition of serum. Similar observations were done using Staphylococcus epidermidis and Klebsiellae pneumoniae. However, Escherichia coli only increased the phospholipid independent kinase activity in the particulate fraction, which suggests the presence of protease activity.