Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate in human lymphocytes. Alterations after phytohemagglutinin stimulation.

We have studied cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) concentrations in human peripheral blood lymphocytes after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), isoproterenol, prostaglandins, and aminophylline. Purified lymphocytes were obtained by nylon fiber chromatography, and low speed centrifugation to remove platelets. Cyclic AMP levels were determined by a highly sensitive radioimmunoassay. At concentrations of 0.1-1.0 mmoles/liter isoproterenol and aminophylline produced moderate increases in cyclic AMP concentrations, whereas prostaglandins produced marked elevations. High concentrations of PHA produced 25-300% increases in cyclic AMP levels, alterations being demonstrated within 1-2 min. The early changes in cyclic AMP concentration appear to precede previously reported metabolic changes in PHA-stimulated cells. After 6 hr cyclic AMP levels in PHA-stimulated cells had usually fallen to the levels of control cells. After 24 hr the level in PHA-stimulated cells was characteristically below that of the control cells. Adenyl cyclase, the enzyme which converts ATP to cyclic AMP, was measured in lymphocyte homogenates. Adenyl cyclase activity was rapidly stimulated by fluoride, isoproterenol, prostaglandins, and PHA. Since adenyl cyclase is characteristically localized in external cell membranes, our results are consistent with an initial action of PHA at this level.