ADENOSINE 3': 5'-CYCLIC MONOPHOSPHATE PHOSPHODIESTERASE IN SKIN.

Abstract

Summary.— The degradation of adenosine 3′: 5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) to adenosine 5′‐monophosphate by a cutaneous phosphodiesterase has been demonstrated for the first time. The ratio of phosphodiesterase: adenyl cyclase activity in skin is the same as that found in liver and brain. Certain properties of the cutaneous enzyme have been studied; in its solubility, pH curve, Km and sensitivity to methylxanthines it seems very similar to cAMP phosphodiesterases of other tissues. These findings suggest that the current view of cAMP as a “second messenger” in the more active tissues is equally applicable to skin.