Modulation of adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate-dependent protein kinase in skin.

Incubation in vitro of full-thickness guinea-pig skin with epinephrine or histamine resulted in the formation of adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and increase in the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase activity ratio. The effect was dose-dependent between 10(-5) and 10(-3) M concentration of the agents. Histamine antagonists, diphenhydramine (H1) and cimetidine (H2) prevented stimulation by histamine in a dose-dependent manner suggesting the presence of both types of receptors in full-thickness skin. Cyclic AMP accumulation with a concomitant increase in protein kinase activity denotes that phosphoproteins may have an important role in skin biology.