Definition: 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.
a metab concept; IM; coord with substance acting as the second messenger (IM) with /physiol or /antag as applicable; DF: SECOND MESSENGERS
ExamplesCalcium Signaling
Other names Intracellular Second Messengers; System, Second Messenger; Second Messengers, Intracellular; Systems, Second Messenger; Second Messenger, Intracellular; Second Messenger System; Second Messenger; Messengers, Second; Messengers, Intracellular Second; Messenger, Second; Intracellular Second Messenger; Second Messengers