Adenine Nucleotides and Nucleosides in Chick Embryo Ventricles 1 2

Abstract

Summary

The levels of ATP, ADP, AMP, adenosine, inosine, and hypoxanthine were measured in 7- to 22-day-old chick embryonic hearts. The nucleoside levels (adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine) fell between Days 7 and 10, remained low until the 19th day, and increased significantly by the time of hatching. ATP concentrations showed a biphasic response with a drop at Day 15 and a peak on Day 18 approaching a steady state at the time of hatching. ADP rose between Days 16 and 18; otherwise, it remained unchanged throughout the experimental period. AMP reached its minimum level between Days 16 and 18 and increased from Day 19 to the time of hatching. The calculated value of energy potential (E) was higher in young embryonic hearts than in the older hearts. These data correlate with other reported energy demands (electro-physiological events) taking place during the embryonic development.

The authors gratefully acknowledge the technical assistance of Mrs. Karen L. McGrain and Mark Tschudy during the conduction of this investigation. The authors would like to express special thanks to Mr. Aubery Vaughn of MFC Service, Collins, Mississippi, for providing the eggs.