Cyclic AMP-stimulated protein kinase activity in rabbit peripheral myelin

Cyclic AMP-sensitive protein kinase activity has been found in suspensions of purified rabbit peripheral myelin. The enzyme phosphorylated the P0, "Y", X, P1, and P2 myelin proteins. Kinase activity, which was maximal at physiological pH, 2.5 mM Mg2+, and 2 microM cAMP, was stimulated three-fold over basal levels by cyclic AMP. Addition of calcium or EGTA had no effect on the enzyme activity in the presence or absence of cyclic AMP. Cyclic GMP also did not stimulate endogenous or exogenous protein phosphorylation. Theophylline, an inhibitor of 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity, increased protein kinase activity in the presence of cyclic AMP. These data show that PNS myelin proteins can be phosphorylated in situ by a protein kinase system whose activity is stimulated selectively by cyclic AMP.