Brief Note: Effects of Prostaglandins, Epinephrine and NaF on Human Leukocyte, Platelet and Liver Adenyl Cyclase

Abstract

Abstract Despite the limited scope of this study, the data show that homogenates of human leukocytes, platelets and liver are capable of synthesizing cyclic AMP, and that such preparations are responsive to hormonal stimulation. Epinephrine stimulates cyclic AMP production in liver and leukocyte homogenates, and NaF shows a stimulatory effect in each tissue.1,8 The data confirm the previous reports10,11 that prostaglandin E1 stimulates platelet adenyl cyclase, but further shows a lack of stimulation by prostaglandin F/1β. Incubation of leukocytes with the prostaglandins showed a similar effect. It is suggested that further study may establish a relationship between adenyl cyclase stimulation and chemotaxis or phagocytic activity of circulating leukocytes as has been reported in amebae.12 Since systemic enzyme deficiencies such as phosphorylase in Hers’ Disease13 and amylo-1.4→1.6-transglucosidase in Andersens’ Disease14 are evident in leukocytes, it is suggested that further study of circulating leukocytes may also detect an abnormal responsiveness or a deficiency of adenyl cyclase.