The binding of cyclic [3H] AMP by bovine adrenal extracts was studied in different buffer systems; 50 mM-Tris/HCl, pH 7.5, buffer containing 4mM-EDTA (disodium salt) offered advantages such as low non-specific interference and high binding affinity. 2-Mercaptoethanol decreased, but EDTA and theophylline increased, the specificity of cyclic [3H]AMP binding as expressed by the displacement of cyclic [3H]AMP by a 1000-fold excess of unlabelled cyclic GMP. The study indicated heterogeneity of the binding material. Mg2+-dependent binding may be eliminated in Tris/EDTA buffer. The heterogeneity and the specificity of intracellular cyclic AMP binders and their dependence in environmental factors should be considered in the evaluation of cyclic AMP binding and second-messenger systems.
