Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Unit Converter

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a small signaling molecule found inside nearly every cell in the body. It acts as a "second messenger," relaying signals from hormones and other molecules that cannot cross the cell membrane to trigger responses within the cell.

When a hormone such as parathyroid hormone (PTH), adrenaline, or glucagon binds to a receptor on the cell surface, it activates an enzyme called adenylyl cyclase, which converts ATP into cAMP. cAMP then triggers downstream actions like enzyme activation, gene expression changes, and ion channel regulation.

As a plasma biomarker, cAMP measurement primarily reflects PTH activity. Its main clinical use is evaluating parathyroid function and differentiating causes of abnormal calcium levels.

cAMP is produced inside nearly every cell in the body when the enzyme adenylyl cyclase converts ATP into cAMP in response to hormone signaling. It is rapidly broken down by phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes, so its levels reflect the real-time balance between production and degradation.