Adenosine 3′:5′‐Monophosphate Metabolism and Turnover in Dog Thyroid Slices

The metabolism and turnover of adenosine 3′: 5′‐monophosphate (cyclic AMP) have been studied in intact thyroid cells incubated in vitro. Thyroid slices have been stimulated by 1 mU thyrotropin/ml, then washed with buffer, or with buffer containing thyrotropin antibody, or trypsin so as to cut off the stimulation. The decline of cyclic AMP levels has been followed and the time required to decrease this level to half of the initial value estimated. Computer simulation taking into account the penetration of trypsin in the slices, the kinetics of thyrotropin inactivation and the relation between thyrotropin concentration and cyclic AMP concentration at the steady state has made it possible to estimate the true cellular half‐life of cyclic AMP in the stimulated cell to 1 min 50 s. The method provides an experimental approach to the demonstration in intact cells of effects on cyclic AMP disappearance. The methodology of the calculation of half‐life and turnover from such data is discussed.