[Effect of cAMP on the growth and development of luminescence in Photobacterium belozerskii].

The effect of cAMP on the parameters characterizing the development of luminescence in Photobacterium belozerskii is discussed. An addition of cAMP to the culture medium shortened the latent time of luminescence development by 3--6 hours. The intensity of bacterial luminescence increased with a varying rate. During luminescence enhancement the rate of luciferase synthesis increased by a factor of 10 to 10(3). The rate of luciferase synthesis and the maxiumum level of bacterial luminescence when cultivated in the glycerol medium containing arginine and proline increased under the influence of cAMP by 100 and 40 times, respectively. After an addition to cAMP into the glucose medium these parameters of luminescence development increased only when the medium contained arginine. After an addition of cAMP into the glycerol medium the rate of bacterial growth increased two-fold. Possible mechanisms regulating luminescence development and cAMP involvement in these processes are discussed.