INTRACELLULAR CONCENTRATIONS OF CAMP AND CGMP IN AN AFLATOXIGENIC STRAIN OF ASPERGILLUS-PARASITICUS

The present study was undertaken to initiate the characterization of the possible regulatory roles of cyclic nucleotides in an aflatoxigenic strain of A. parasiticus. Intracellular levels of CAMP and cGMP were determined using nonagitated cultures of A. parasiticus NRRL 2999 grown in basal medium containing 10, 60 and 100g glucose/L. All cultures displayed the Yin‐Yang behavior associated with cyclic nucleotides, however, a reversal in their characteristic roles was demonstrated, with elevated CAMP levels occurring during exponential growth and cGMP levels increasing in association with phase transition and the early stationary phase. The cultures were also monitored for aflatoxin accumulation and glucose utilization. Initiation of aflatoxin accumulation occurred during phase transition, and coincided with an acceleration in the rate of glucose utilization. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved