We examined whether protein kinase C (PKC) modulates the transport systems involved in bicarbonate movements across the plasma membranes of rat jejunum. Results of enzymatic assays provide evidence that under basal conditions conventional PKC (cPKC) is present in both basolateral membranes (BLMs) and apical (brush border) membranes (BBMs) of the enterocyte. In BLMs the basal expression of the kinase is low compared to expression in BBMs; however, treatment with Ca(2+) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) causes a significant increase, thus suggesting an asymmetrical kinase translocation. To explore the effect of PKC activation on membrane-bound transport mechanisms, 'in vitro' phosphorylated membrane vesicles were used to perform uptake studies. Results suggest that PKC activation exerts an inhibitory effect on the basolateral Cl(-)-HCO(3)(-) antiporter, whereas the basolateral HCO(3)(-) conductive pathway seems to be stimulated and Cl(-) conductance unaffected. The apical, but not basolateral, Na(+)-H(+) exchanger is inhibited by PKC activation. The specificity of the response to PKC was confirmed by using the kinase inhibitor staurosporine or the inactive phorbol ester 4-alpha-PMA. The inhibition of both apical Na(+)-H(+) and basolateral Cl(-)-HCO(3)(-) exchange activities suggests that the overall action of PKC causes a reduction of transepithelial bicarbonate transport.