Variations of cAMP in Epidermis and Plasma of Male Adult Subjects

Abstract

Over a time span of 66 h (sampling time at every 6th hour ) the cAMP content in superficial skin punch biopsies of 8 male volunteers (medical students aged 20–30 years) and simultaneously the cAMP level in plasma were measured. By means of autocorrelation (2α ≤ 5%) a circadian rhythm in the epidermal cAMP could be demonstrated. Sharp maxima were detected at midnight, whereas minima (not so clearly expressed) were seen at 6 a.m. A variation in plasma cAMP during the day was also established but no significant hint for a circadian rhythm could be found by autocorrelation.