cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) /sik′lik, sī″ klik/ , a cyclic nucleotide formed from adenosine triphosphate by the action of adenyl cyclase. This cyclic compound, known as the “second messenger,” participates in the action of catecholamines, vasopressin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and many other hormones. Also called adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate.
