Studies on 2', 3'-cyclic AMP 3'-phosphohydrolase in rabbit skin

Abstract
2'',3''-Cyclic(c)AMP 3''-phosphohydrolase [EC 3.1.4.16], an enzyme which splits the 3''-phosphate bond of the 2'',3''-cAMP, is primarily confined to nervous tissue. The physiological function of this enzyme is still unknown. This enzyme was active in various rabbit organs, i.e., liver, kidney, heart and skin, although to a much lesser extent than in brain and sciatic nerve. Evidence of this enzyme in the skin generated further studies to measure the enzyme activity in normal and diseased skin. Chemically induced (surfactant-treated) skin disorder was used as a model for this study. Topical application of Polysorbate 85 resulted in a 2-fold increase of the enzyme activity in rabbit skin. This enzyme may have a role in repair mechanisms, particularly in the regeneration of damaged membranes.