Protein kinase C isozymes and addiction

Protein kinase C (PKC) has long been recognized an important family of enzymes that regulate numerous aspects of neuronal signal transduction, neurotransmitter synthesis, release and reuptake, receptor and ion channel function, neuronal excitability, development, and gene expression. Much evidence has implicated PKCs in the effects of several drugs of abuse, and in behavioral responses to these drugs. The present review summarizes the effects of both acute and chronic exposure to various drugs of abuse on individual PKC isozymes in the brain. In addition, we summarize recent studies utilizing mice with targeted deletions of the genes for PKCγ and PKCɛ. These studies suggest that individual PKC isozymes play a role in the development of drug dependence and addiction.