Multiple Roles of cAMP in Vertebrate Retina

cAMP is a key regulatory molecule that controls many important processes in the retina, including phototransduction, cell development and death, growth of neural processes, intercellular contacts, retinomotor effects, and so forth. The total content of cAMP changes in the retina in a circadian manner following the natural light cycle, but it also shows local and even divergent changes in faster time scales in response to local and transient changes in the light environment. Changes in cAMP might also manifest or cause various pathological processes in virtually all cellular components of the retina. Here we review the current state of knowledge and understanding of the regulatory mechanisms by which cAMP influences the physiological processes that occur in various retinal cells.

Automated summary

cAMP is a crucial regulatory molecule in the retina, controlling important processes such as phototransduction, cell development and death, and neural growth. It shows circadian changes following the natural light cycle, but also exhibits local and transient changes in response to light environment. cAMP changes may lead to pathological processes in various retinal cells.