A simple assay for adenosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and its application to the study of cyclic AMP production in the lichen Himantormia lugubris

Abstract

This paper describes an accurate, specific and sensitive high performance liquid chromatographic method for the identification and quantification of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP). Recovery of the cyclic nucleotide has been estimated to be about 82.6% after the extraction procedure. By using this method, the cyclic nucleotide has been identified in the lichen Himantormia lugubris. Production of cyclic AMP is achieved in the dark by this lichen species and is inhibited by white light. This inhibition is reversed by adding 3-(3'-dichloropheny1)-1,l-dimethylurea or adenosine triphosphate to the incubation medium. The effects of red light and far-red light on cyclic AMP accumulation by the lichen have been investigated.