Melanin-Dispersing Effect of Adenosine 3″,5″-Monophosphate on Amphibian Melanophores

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Abstract
Because of conflicting prior reports of the effect of 3[image],5[image]-AMP (adenosine 3[image],5[image]-monophosphate) on frog melanophores, the effect of this substance has been studied on amphibian melanophores. Although lower concentrations produce some darkening, 10 m[image] is required to markedly darken isolated frog skin or expand tissue cultured salamander embryonic melanophores. The darkening of frog skin by 3[image], 5[image]-AMP was not sodium dependent. The darkening produced by combinations of 3[image],5[image]-AMP with melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) or caffeine was equal to the sum of the darkening produced by these agents alone. The results were discussed in terms of the possibility that 3[image],5[image]-AMP may be the "second messenger" for MSH and caffeine action on melanophores.