1. cAMP binds to and activates protein kinase A
2. Protein kinase A phosphorylates phosphorylase kinase, activating it
3. active phosphorylase kinase phosphorylates phosphorylase b, converting it to phosphorylase a, the active form of the enzyme
4. phosphorylase a catalyzes cleavage of a terminal glucose form glycogen as glucose-1-phosphate, which increases glucose levels in the blood