Some Aspects of the Biological Role of Adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (Cyclic AMP)

Cyclic AMP (adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate or cyclic adenylate) has now been established as a second messenger mediating many of the effects of a variety of hormones. Several of the metabolic effects mediated by cyclic AMP are discussed, and it is suggested that certain other ("functional" or "mechanical") hormonal effects may be similarly mediated. In particular, the evidence presented supports the hypothesis that the positive inotropic response to the catecholamines is mediated by cyclic AMP. Although knowledge of the biological role of cyclic AMP has not been widely applied clinically, sufficient knowledge has now accumulated to make research in this area desirable.