OBJECTIVE: To study the roles of protein kinase C (PKC) in effect of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on wound healing and cicatrization. METHODS: IFN-gamma was applied on the wound and into the scar tissues of rabbit ear before or after wound healing. PKC activities in the tissues from 0, 3, 6 d, 11-16 d post-wounding and from 14, 30 and 45d post-epithelization were measured by phosphorus (32p) incorporation. The time of wound epithelization and scar changes were also observed. RESULTS: The PKC activity in granulation tissue, wound margin tissue and scar tissue elevated obviously in comparing with that of normal skin (P < 0.01). IFN-gamma did not change PKC activity (P > 0.05). But it delayed the wound healing (P < 0.01) and inhibited scar hyperplasia (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PKC might not mediate the signal of IFN-gamma inhibiting the wound healing and scar hyperplasia. But PKC might be related to the wound healing and scar hyperplasia.