Demonstration of cyclic AMP in bone cells by immuno-histochemical methods

By utilizing immunohistochemical procedures it was possible to locate bone cells that contained adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in frozen, undecalcified cat jaw sections. An immunoglobulin-enzyme bridge method was found to be superior to other techniques, including immunofluorescence. Differences in staining pattern were found between bone cells of kittens and young adult cats, indicating different metabolic levels related to cellular maturity, and different intracellular compartmentalization of cyclic AMP in the two age groups.