A conjugate of decyltriphenylphosphonium with plastoquinone can carry cyclic adenosine monophosphate, but not cyclic guanosine monophosphate, across artificial and natural membranes

The present study demonstrated for the first time the interaction between adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), one of the most important signaling compounds in living organisms, and the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant plastoquinonyl-decyltriphenylphosphonium (SkQ1). The data obtained on model liquid membranes and human platelets revealed the ability of SkQ1 to selectively transport cAMP, but not guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), across both artificial and natural membranes. In particular, SkQ1 elicited translocation of cAMP from the source to the receiving phase of a Pressman-type cell, while showing low activity with cGMP. Importantly, only conjugate with plastoquinone, but not dodecyl-triphenylphosphonium, was effective in carrying cAMP. In human platelets, SkQ1 also appeared to serve as a carrier of cAMP, but not cGMP, from outside to inside the cell, as measured by phosphorylation of the vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein. The SkQ1-induced transfer of cAMP across the plasma membrane found here can be tentatively suggested to interfere with cAMP signaling pathways in living cells. [Display omitted] •Decyltriphenylphosphonium conjugate with plastoquinone (SkQ1) proved to be a cAMP carrier.•SkQ1 transferred cAMP, but not cGMP, across liquid membrane in Pressman-type system.•Only the conjugate, but not dodecyltriphenylphosphonium, was effective in carrying cAMP.•SkQ1 transported cAMP, but not cGMP, from outside to inside human platelets.•Possible impact of SkQ1 on cAMP signaling pathways in living cells is discussed.