Modulation of cyclic nucleotide levels in peripheral nerve without effect on resting or compound action potentials.

1. Cyclic nucleotide levels and compound action potential magnitudes were measured in frog sciatic nerves following exposure to carbachol, isoprenaline and cyclic nucleotide related substances. 2. The resting cyclic AMP level was 2-4 p-mole/mg protein and the cyclic GMP level was 0-27 p-mole/mg protein in desheathed nerves. 3. Isoprenaline (100 micrometer) caused a twofold increase in cyclic AMP without affecting cyclic GMP levels. Carbachol (100 micrometer) caused a twofold increase in cyclic GMP without affecting cyclic AMP levels. 4. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor theophylline (5 mM) augmented both cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP. 5. The magnitude of the resting or compound action potential was not affected by isoprenaline, carbachol, or phosphodiesterase inhibitors. 6. The cyclic nucleotides and their butyryl derivatives did not affect the magnitude of the resting or compound action potential, either when applied alone or in the presence of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. 7. In contrast to sympatic tissue we conclude that hormone mediated cyclic nucleotide metabolism in peripheral nerve is unrelated to control of axonal excitability.