cyclic adenosine monophosphate

adenosine /aden·o·sine/ (ah-den´o-sēn) a purine nucleoside consisting of adenine and ribose; a component of RNA. It is also a cardiac depressant and vasodilator used as an antiarrhythmic and as an adjunct in myocardial perfusion imaging in patients incapable of exercising adequately to undergo an exercise stress test. Symbol A.

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cyclic adenosine monophosphate  a cyclic nucleotide, adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate, that serves as an intracellular, and sometimes extracellular, “second messenger” mediating the action of many peptide or amine hormones. Abbreviated 3, cAMP, and cyclic AMP.

adenosine diphosphate  (ADP) a nucleotide, the 5′-pyrophosphate of adenosine, involved in energy metabolism; it is produced by the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and converted back to ATP by the metabolic processes oxidative phosphorylation and substrate-level phosphorylation.

adenosine monophosphate  (AMP) adenylic acid; a nucleotide, the 5′-phosphate of adenosine, involved in energy metabolism and nucleotide synthesis.

adenosine triphosphate  (ATP) a nucleotide, the 5′-triphosphate of adenosine, involved in energy metabolism and required for RNA synthesis; it occurs in all cells and is used to store energy in the form of high-energy phosphate bonds. The free energy derived from its hydrolysis is used to drive metabolic reactions, to transport molecules against concentration gradients, and to produce mechanical motion.

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cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)

[sik′lik, sī′ klik]

a cyclic nucleotide formed from adenosine triphosphate by the action of adenyl cyclase. This cyclic compound, known as the "second messenger," participates in the action of catecholamines, vasopressin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and many other hormones. Also called adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate.