Is cAMP a second messenger?

cAMP is a second messenger vital to several biological processes. cAMP or cyclic adenosine monophosphate is synthesized from ATP.

Second messengers are essentially relay molecules. These molecules relay signals received by receptors on the cell surface to target molecules in the nucleus or cytosol. In addition to relaying signals, second messengers also serve to boost the strength of the signal.

Adrenaline, glucagon, and luteinizing hormone (LH) are three of the most prominent hormones that achieve their effects through cAMP as a second messenger.