Regulation of adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate efflux from animal cells.

Cyclic AMP efflux was measured following hormonal stimulation of adenylate cyclase in a variety of animal cells including C-6 rat glioma cells, WI-38 human fibroblasts, and avian erythrocytes. Using a variety inhibitors of mitochondrial function and glycolysis, a correlation was noted between cellular ATP levels and the rate of cyclic AMP efflux in all cells examined. A relationship between the efflux rate and the magnitude of the membrane potential was not observed. Pharmacological agents which inhibited cyclic AMP egress in these cells without reducing ATP levels included several prostaglandins (A greater than B greater than E greater than F) and probenecid. The characteristics of the cyclic AMP efflux system resemble those of the organic anion transport system.