cyclic AMP

Cyclic 3,5-adenosine monophosphate, a major communicator molecule in living cells. It is formed by the action of the enzyme adenyl cyclase on ATP and has many physiological functions. It plays a part in increasing the level of blood glucose. Adrenaline, which increases the level of blood sugar, does so by stimulating the production of cAMP. Cyclic AMP is also involved in the synthesis of flagellar proteins in bacteria, and in hormone release, urine regulation, and sensory and nerve processes. In some organisms, cAMP seems to be active in the breakdown of lipids for the production of energy, when glucose is unavailable.