Content of 3',5' cyclic AMP and cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase in dormant and activated tissues of Jerusalem artichoke tubers

Using an highly sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for 3′,5′ cyclic AMP, we have detected this cyclic nucleotide in partially purified extracts obtained from tuber tissues of Jerusalem artichoke. The level of cyclic AMP found in dormant tubers was very high compared with those of sprouting tubers and rapidly declines when dormant tissue slices are activated by incubation in aerated water. Cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase seems to play an important role in these changes of cyclic AMP content.