Cyclic AMP Levels in the Developing Hamster Foetus: a Correlation with the Phasing of Foetal Antigen in Membrane Maturation

Abstract

A profile of the level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate during the development of the hamster foetus has been determined. The low level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate seen at 9 and 10 days of gestation is quadrupled during the remaining days until birth. This higher level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate is maintained for at least three days after birth. Antigen phasing in the developing hamster foetus has been documented. Loss of ability of hamster foetus to protect adult hamsters against SV40 oncogenicity occurs at the same time that the level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate rises sharply. We suggest that cyclic adenosine monophosphate plays a role in the control of changes in foetal cell surfaces during gestation, and reversion to a foetal phenotype may be important in neoplastic transformation.