Regulatory functions of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate in 1-methyladenine production by starfish follicle cells.

The biosynthesis of 1-methyladenine (1-MeAde) in follicle cells of the starfish, Asterina pectinifera, occurred in response to a gonad-stimulating substance (GSS). Simultaneously with 1-MeAde production, the intracellular cAMP level immediately increased following the administration of GSS. This level in follicle cells markedly depended on GSS concentration. Although 1-MeAde production was also induced by 1-methyladenosine, it caused no increase in cAMP content. It thus appears that the effect of GSS on starfish follicle cells results in the receptor-mediated formation of cAMP.