Mechanism of Action of Adenosine 3',5'-Monophosphate.

The effects of cyclic AMP, other cyclic nucleotides and prostaglandins on hepatic metabolic function and gastrointestinal function have been studied. Cyclic AMP or its dibutyryl derivative were shown in vivo to stimulate heart rate, increase systolic blood pressure minimally, increase plasma glucose, cortisol, insulin, latently increase plasma growth hormone, affect plasma free fatty acids decrease followed by increase, increase urine osmolality, produce antidiuresis and inhibit gastric secretion and intestinal motility. Studies in isolated perfused rat liver indicated that approximately 3 of added cyclic AMP permeated the hepatic cell membrane and among the major metabolites found in bile were 5-AMP, quanosine and xanthine. The effects of cyclic AMP were potentiated by the use of dibutyryl cyclic AMP in man. This drug was well tolerated without significant side effects. Prostaglandins which increase cyclic AMP in many tissues similarly inhibited gastrointestinal secretion and motility but did not affect the metabolic parameters influenced by cyclic AMP. Author