The regulatory role of protein kinase C (PKC) in glycogen metabolism in pectin 
fed rats was investigated. Administration of pectin (5 g/kg body wt/day) from 
cucumber (Cucumis sativius L.) led to inhibitory effects on PKC activity in the 
liver of rats. In the brain and pancreas, PKC activity was significantly higher 
in pectin-treated rats as compared to the control group. Level of blood glucose 
was significantly lowered and the level of glycogen in the liver was 
significantly increased in pectin-administered rats. Glycogen synthase activity 
was enhanced, while glycogen phosphorylase enzyme showed inhibition in 
pectin-treated rats. Results indicated that pectin administration might have 
caused an increase in the secretion of the insulin, which, in turn, had a 
stimulatory effect on the PKC activity in the pancreas. The decreased PKC 
activity in the liver and increased PKC activity in the brain and pancreas on 
pectin administration indicated enhanced glycogenesis and reduced 
glycogenolysis.