Phenomena and Processes

Second Messenger Systems

Systems in which an intracellular signal is generated in response to an intercellular primary messenger such as a hormone or neurotransmitter. They are intermediate signals in cellular processes such as metabolism, secretion, contraction, phototransduction, and cell growth. Examples of second messenger systems are the adenyl cyclase-cyclic AMP system, the phosphatidylinositol diphosphate-inositol triphosphate system, and the cyclic GMP system.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Systems in which an intracellular signal is generated in response to an intercellular primary messenger such as a hormone or neurotransmitter. They are intermediate signals in cellular processes such as metabolism, secretion, contraction, phototransduction, and cell growth. Examples of second messenger systems are the adenyl cyclase-cyclic AMP system, the phosphatidylinositol diphosphate-inositol triphosphate system, and the cyclic GMP system.

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Synonyms

12 entry terms
  • Intracellular Second Messengers
  • Intracellular Second Messenger
  • Messengers, Intracellular Second
  • Second Messenger System
  • Second Messenger, Intracellular
  • Second Messengers, Intracellular
  • System, Second Messenger
  • Systems, Second Messenger
  • Second Messengers
  • Messenger, Second
  • Messengers, Second
  • Second Messenger

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Aspects Covered

6 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings drug effects, ethics, genetics, immunology, physiology, radiation effects.

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Indexing Annotation

a metab concept; IM; coord with substance acting as the second messenger (IM) with /physiol or /antag as applicable

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History Note

89

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NLM Classification

QU 120

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Second Messenger Systems. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D015290. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D015290
  2. Second Messenger Systems. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_messenger_system
  3. Second Messenger Systems. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q899814