Demonstration of [125I]VIP binding sites and effects of VIP on cAMP-formation in rat insulinoma (RINm5F and RIN14B) cells.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-immunoreactive nerves have been demonstrated in close association with the islets of Langerhans, and VIP has been shown to stimulate insulin and somatostatin secretion. Using [125I]VIP and membranes prepared from rat insulinoma (RIN) cells, i.e., the subclones m5F (m5F; mainly insulin-secreting) and 14B (14B; mainly somatostatin-secreting), it was found that VIP (10(-10)-10(-7) M) competitively inhibited the binding of [125I]VIP. A single class of high affinity binding sites with Kd values of 0.40 +/- 0.06 nM and 0.36 +/- 0.08 nM for m5F and 14B, respectively, with a corresponding number of binding sites (Bmax) of 163 +/- 20 and 254 +/- 51 fmol/mg protein was observed. The rank order of potency in inhibiting [125I]VIP binding was in both cell lines: VIP greater than helodermin greater than pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide 1-27 (PACAP27) greater than peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI) greater than secretin. VIP caused a dose-dependent increase in cAMP-formation in both m5F and 14B cell membranes with EC50 values of 3.0 and 3.5 nM, respectively, but VIP (1.10(-9)-3.10(-6) M) had no effect on insulin secretion (over 2 h) from the m5F cells. Thus, the data suggest that the VIP-receptors in these neoplastic rat cell lines, despite an apparent coupling to adenylate cyclase activity, seem to be functionally uncoupled to an effect on insulin secretion following an acute exposure to VIP.     

PHI preferentially binds to VIP receptors in normal rat tissues

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI) are homologous neuropeptides with parallel biological actions. These similarities raise the question whether VIP and PHI have common or distinct mechanisms of action, including receptors. The present study attempted to distinguish specific binding sites for VIP and PHI in normal rat tissues using the homologous radioligands [Tyr(125I)10]VIP and [Tyr(125I)10]rat PHI. In rat brain, anterior pituitary, and liver membranes both radioligands identified a VIP-preferring receptor. Rat PHI had less than 10% the binding potency of VIP in these tissues irrespective of which radioligand was used. In rat uterine membranes [Tyr(125I)10]VIP bound to a receptor with approximately 100 times greater affinity for VIP over PHI. No specific binding of [Tyr(125I)10]rat PHI to rat uterus could be demonstrated. In conclusion, these results support the predominance of VIP-preferring receptors as opposed to PHI-preferring receptors in normal rat brain, anterior pituitary, liver and uterus.     

Interaction of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and N-terminally modified VIP analogs with rat pancreatic, hepatic and pituitary membranes

Six vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) analogs inhibited [125I]iodo-VIP and [125I]iodo-helodermin binding to high-affinity VIP receptors in rat hepatic membranes. They also stimulated adenylate cyclase activity through these receptors, their decreasing order of potency being VIP greater than [D-Ala4]VIP greater than [D-Asp3]VIP greater than [D-Ser2]VIP greater than [D-His1]VIP greater than [D-Phe2]VIP greater than [D-Arg2]VIP, with the latter two peptides acting as partial agonists only. All VIP analogs tested on rat pancreatic membranes were able to stimulate adenylate cyclase, their order of potency being very similar to that observed on hepatic membranes. [D-Ser2]VIP, [D-His1]VIP, [D-Arg2]VIP and [D-Phe2]VIP were partial agonists with an intrinsic activity of, respectively, 0.8, 0.7, 0.35 and 0.09 as compared to that of VIP = 1.0. [D-Phe2]VIP competitively and selectively inhibited VIP-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity (Ki = 0.1 microM). On male rat anterior pituitary homogenates the order of potency of the peptides was VIP greater than [D-Ala4]VIP greater than [D-Asp3]VIP greater than [D-Ser2]VIP greater than [D-His1]VIP. [D-Ser2]VIP and [D-His1]VIP acted as partial agonists. Besides, [D-Phe2]VIP and [D-Arg2]VIP were inactive as well as unable to inhibit VIP-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. These results indicated that (a) the efficacy of VIP receptor/effector coupling depended on the tissue tested; (b) the possibility exists to design a VIP antagonist by appropriate modification in the N-terminal moiety of the molecule.     

Identification of a high-affinity receptor for interleukin-1 beta in rat brain

A single type of high-affinity binding sites for IL-1 beta was identified in the rat hypothalamus (Kd = 1.0 +/- 0.2 nM) and cerebral cortex (Kd = 1.3 +/- 0.2 nM), but not in the pituitary. The maximum binding capacity (Bmax) in the hypothalamus (Bmax = 75.4 +/- 10.8 fmol/mg protein) was 4 times greater than in the cerebral cortex (Bmax = 17.2 +/- 1.5 fmol/mg protein). Neither various neuropeptides nor IL-2 appeared to influence the binding of [125I]IL-1 beta to the hypothalamic membrane preparations. The potency of unlabeled IL-1 alpha to replace the binding of [125I]IL-1 beta to the hypothalamic membrane preparations was considerably less than that of unlabeled IL-1 beta. These findings indicate that IL-1 beta receptors are heterogeneously distributed in the central nervous system and that IL-1 alpha does not bind with IL-1 beta receptors in the brain.     

VIP receptors from porcine liver: high yield solubilization in a GTP-insensitive form.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptors were solubilized from porcine liver membranes using CHAPS. The binding of 125I-VIP to solubilized receptors was reversible, saturable and specific. Scatchard analysis indicated the presence of one binding site with a Kd of 6.5 +/- 0.3 nM and a Bmax of 1.20 +/- 0.15 pmol/mg protein. Solubilized and membrane-bound receptors displayed the same pharmacological profile since VIP and VIP-related peptides inhibited 125I-VIP binding to both receptor preparations with the same rank order of potency e.g. VIP greater than helodermin greater than rat GRF greater than rat PHI greater than secretin greater than human GRF. GTP inhibited 125I-VIP binding to membrane-bound receptors but not to solubilized receptors supporting functional uncoupling of VIP receptor and G protein during solubilization. Affinity labeling of solubilized and membrane-bound VIP receptors with 125I-VIP revealed the presence of a single molecular component with Mr 55,000 in both cases. It is concluded that VIP receptors from porcine liver can be solubilized with a good yield, in a GTP-insentive, G protein-free form. This represents a major advance towards the purification of VIP receptors.     

Hypothalamic binding sites for pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide: characterization and molecular identification.

The goal of these experiments was to identify and characterize binding sites in the rat hypothalamus for the peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP). The 27 amino acid form of PACAP (PACAP27) was used as the radiolabeled ligand in these experiments. Binding of [125I]PACAP27 to hypothalamic membrane preparations was rapid, reversible on addition of unlabeled peptide, and at least partially regulated by GTP. Nonhydrolyzable GTP analogs, guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S), guanosine-5'-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP beta S), and guanylylimidophosphate (GppNHp) also displaced [125I]PACAP27 binding to hypothalamic membrane preparations in a dose-dependent manner. The order of potency for the three analogs was GTP gamma S greater than GDP beta S greater than GppNHp. Both forms of the peptide, PACAP27 and PACAP38, were highly potent in displacing bound [125I]PACAP27, whereas VIP or PACAP(1-23) were unable to displace binding at concentrations of up to 500 nM. Scatchard analysis of the PACAP27 and PACAP38 displacement curves revealed that the fit of both curves was consistent with a single class of high-affinity binding sites, although the site exhibited a greater affinity for PACAP38 compared with PACAP27 (PACAP27 Kd = 1452 +/- 59 pM; PACAP38 Kd = 175 +/- 13 pM; Bmax 23.2 +/- 1.1 pmol/mg protein). The possibility of the existence of a class of binding sites with extremely low affinity cannot be discounted. After covalent cross-linking of [125I]PACAP27 with its receptor, the molecular weights of the complexes were estimated by electrophoresis and autoradiography. A major band of 60 Kd was evident when membranes were incubated with VIP or PACAP(1-23). Previous incubation with unlabeled PACAP27 or PACAP38 eliminated visualization of this band. These results suggest that a specific, high-affinity binding site for PACAP27 is present in rat hypothalamus, and that this site shows a greater affinity for PACAP38 compared with PACAP27. The molecular weight of the peptide-receptor complex is 60,000 kDa, and therefore the receptor itself has an apparent molecular weight 57,000.     

Autoradiographic localization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide receptors in the rat mesenteric vascular tree

By the use of combined in vitro radioreceptor binding and autoradiographic techniques, we analyzed the pharmacological properties and the anatomical localization of the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) receptor in rat superior mesenteric artery and in medium and small mesenteric artery branches. 125I-VIP was bound by sections of rat superior mesenteric artery in a manner consistent with the labeling of specific VIP receptors, with Kd and Bmax values of 0.23 nM and 0.71 pmol/mg protein respectively. Inhibition of 125I-VIP binding with VIP and related peptides gives the following rank order of potency: VIP greater than peptide histidine methionine greater than secretin. Light microscope autoradiography reveals specific VIP binding sites within the medial layer of superior mesenteric artery and its branches. Medium and small sized vessels are richer in 125I-VIP binding sites than the larger ones.     

2[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in spleens of guinea pigs.

2-[125I]Iodomelatonin was found to bind specifically to the membrane preparations of the spleens of guinea pigs with high affinity. The binding was rapid, stable, saturable and reversible. Scatchard analysis of the binding assays revealed an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 49.8 +/- 4.12 pmol/l and binding site density (Bmax) of 0.69 +/- 0.082 fmol/mg protein at mid-light (n = 10). There was no significant change in the Kd (41.8 +/- 3.16 pmol/l) or the Bmax (0.58 +/- 0.070 fmol/mg protein) at mid-dark (n = 10). Kinetic analysis showed a Kd of 23.13 +/- 4.81 pmol/l (mean +/- SE, n = 4), in agreement to that derived from the saturation studies. The 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites have the following order of potency: 2-iodomelatonin greater than melatonin greater than 6-chloromelatonin much greater than N-acetylserotonin, 6-hydroxymelatonin greater than 5-methoxytryptamine, 5 methoxytryptophol greater than serotonin, 5-methoxyindole-3-acetic acid greater than 5-hydroxytryptophol, 3-acetylindole, 1-acetylindole-3-carboxyaldehyde, L-tryptophan greater than tryptamine, 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid. Differential centrifugation studies showed that the binding sites are localized mainly in the nuclear fraction (65.5%), the rest are distributed in the microsomal fraction (17.4%), mitochondrial fraction (14.7%) and cytosolic fraction (0.3%). The demonstration of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in the spleen suggests the presence of melatonin receptors and a direct mechanism of action of melatonin on the immune system.     

Demonstration of specific binding sites for pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) in rat astrocytes

The high and low affinity binding sites for PACAP were identified in rat astrocytes using [125I]PACAP27 as the labeled ligand. Scatchard analysis of displacement of the bound tracer by unlabeled PACAP27 indicated the existence of two classes of binding sites, with the dissociation constant (Kd) = 1.22 +/- 0.4 nM, the binding maximal capacity (Bmax) = 821 +/- 218 fmols/mg protein for the high affinity binding site, and Kd = 0.59 +/- 0.06 microM, Bmax = 563 +/- 12 pmols/mg protein for the low affinity binding site, respectively. The specificity of [125I]PACAP27 binding was tested using PACAP38 and peptides structurally related to PACAP, such as VIP, GHRF, PHI, secretin and glucagon. PACAP38 completely displaced the binding of [125I]PACAP27 and Scatchard analysis also indicated the presence of two classes of binding sites with similar Kd and Bmax to those for PACAP27. VIP and GHRF competed with [125I]PACAP27, but to a much lesser extent than unlabeled PACAP27 in binding. Other peptides tested did not displace the binding of [125I]PACAP27 at 10(-6) M.     

Presence of highly selective receptors for PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide) in membranes from the rat pancreatic acinar cell line AR 4-2J

We characterized highly selective receptors for PACAP, the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide, in the tumoral acinar cell line AR 4-2J derived from the rat pancreas. PACAP, a novel hypothalamic peptide related to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), was tested as the full natural 38-residue peptide (PACAP-38) and as an N-terminal amidated 27-residue derivative (PACAP-27). The binding sites showed considerable affinity for [125I]PACAP-27 (Kd = 0.4 nM) and PACAP-38, while their affinity for VIP and the parent peptide helodermin was 1000-fold lower. These receptors were coupled to adenylate cyclase, the potency of PACAP-38 and PACAP-27 (Kact = 0.2 nM) being much higher than that of VIP (Kact = 100 nM) and helodermin (Kact = 30 nM). Chemical cross-linking of [125I]PACAP-27 followed by SDS-PAGE and autoradiography revealed a specifically cross-linked peptide with an Mr of 68,000 (including 3000 for one PACAP-27 molecule).     

A new type of functional VIP receptor has an affinity for helodermin in human SUP-T1 lymphoblasts

A new type of VIP receptor was characterized in human SUP-T1 lymphoblasts. The order of potency of unlabeled peptides, in the presence of [125I]helodermin, was: helodermin(1-35)-NH2 = helodermin(1-27)-NH2 greater than helospectin greater than VIP = PHI greater than [D-Ser2]VIP greater than [D-Asp3]VIP greater than [D-His1]VIP greater than or equal to [D-Ala4]VIP greater than or equal to secretin = GRF. This specificity was distinct from that of all VIP receptors described so far in that: (i) the affinity for helodermin (Kd = 3 nM) was higher than that of VIP (Kd = 15 nM) and PHI (Kd = 20 nM); and (ii) position 4 played an important role in ligand binding. The labeled sites were likely to be functional receptors as adenylate cyclase in crude lymphoblastic membranes (200-10,000 x g pellets) was stimulated by peptides, in the presence of GTP, with the following order of potency: helodermin(1-35)-NH2 greater than helodermin(1-27)-NH2 greater than helospectin = VIP = PHI.     

Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor regulation of cAMP accumulation and glycogen hydrolysis in the human Ewing's sarcoma cell line WE-68

This study describes functional characteristics of receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on human Ewing's sarcoma WE-68 cells. These characteristics include 125I-VIP binding capacity, cellular cAMP generation, glycogen hydrolysis, and pharmacological specificity. Binding studies with 125I-VIP showed specific, saturable, binding sites for VIP in WE-68 cells. Scatchard analysis revealed the presence of a single class of high-affinity binding sites that exhibited a dissociation constant (Kd) of 90 pM and a maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of 24 fmol/mg of protein. VIP and VIP-related peptides competed for 125I-VIP binding in the following order of potency: human (h) VIP greater than human peptide with N-terminal histidine and C-terminal methionine (PHM) greater than chicken secretin much greater than porcine secretin. Glucagon and the C-terminal fragments VIP[10-28] and VIP[16-28] and the VIP analogue (D-Phe2)VIP did not inhibit 125I-VIP binding. Addition of hVIP to WE-68 cells provoked marked stimulation of cAMP accumulation, hVIP stimulated increases in cAMP content were rapid, concentration-dependent, and potentiated by 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine (IBMX). Half-maximal stimulation (EC50) occurred at 150 nM hVIP. The ability of hVIP and analogues to stimulate cAMP generation paralleled their potencies in displacing 125I-VIP binding. (D-Phe2)VIP, VIP[10-28], VIP[16-28], and (p-Cl-D-Phe6, Leu17)VIP, a putative VIP receptor antagonist, affected neither basal cAMP levels nor hVIP-induced cAMP accumulation. WE-68 cell responses to hVIP were desensitized by prior exposure to hVIP. Desensitization to hVIP did not modify the cAMP response to beta-adrenergic stimulation, and beta-adrenergic agonist desensitization did not modify responses to hVIP. hVIP also induced a time- and concentration-dependent hydrolysis of 3H-glycogen newly formed from 3H-glucose in WE-68 cultures. hVIP maximally decreased 3H-glycogen content by 36% with an EC50 value of about 8 nM. The order of potency of structurally related peptides of hVIP for stimulation of glycogenolysis correlated with their order of potency for inhibition of 125I-VIP binding. IBMX potentiated the glycogenolytic action of hVIP and PHM. The simultaneous presence of the calcium channel antagonist verapamil or the calcium ionophore A 23187 did not influence the glycogenolytic and cAMP stimulatory effects of hVIP. Collectively, these data indicate that Ewing's sarcoma (WE-68) cells are endowed with genuine VIP receptors which are coupled to the formation of cAMP that probably serves a second messenger role in stimulating glycogen hydrolysis in these cells in response to VIP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

A human melanoma-derived cell line (IGR39) with a very high number of vasoactive-intestinal-peptide (VIP) receptors. 1. Molecular characterization of the binding site

Using mono[125I]iodinated vasoactive intestinal peptide (125I-VIP), a very high number of specific binding sites for VIP were identified at the surface of the human melanoma cell line IGR39. The Scatchard analysis of competitive displacement experiments between native VIP and 125I-VIP was consistent with the existence of two classes of VIP-binding sites. IGR39 cells possess 0.54 x 10(6) high-affinity sites with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.66 nM and 1.3 x 10(6) sites of moderate affinity with a Kd of 4.7 nM. Pharmacological studies indicated that the order of potency in inhibiting 125I-VIP binding of the VIP/secretin family peptides was VIP much greater than peptide histidine methioninamide greater than human growth-hormone-releasing factor(1-44) greater than secretin. Glucagon has no effect on the binding of the labelled peptide. By means of photoaffinity labelling a polypeptide of Mr 63,000 was characterized. The labelling of this species was completely abolished by native VIP. The order of potency of VIP-related peptides in inhibiting 125I-VIP cross-linking to its receptor was the same as in the competition experiments. The glycoprotein nature of the VIP-binding sites of IGR39 cells has been investigated by affinity chromatography on wheat-germ-agglutinin-Sepharose.     

Specific binding sites for pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) in rat cultured astrocytes: molecular identification and interaction with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)

Molecular identification of the binding sites for pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and the effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on the specific binding sites for PACAP in rat cultured astrocyte membrane preparations were investigated. Affinity cross-linking of astrocyte membrane preparations with [125I]PACAP27 showed the presence of a 60 kDa radiolabeled ligand-receptor complex. The labeling of this band was completely abolished in the presence of 10(-8) M or higher concentrations of unlabeled PACAP27. The molecular weight of this binding protein was estimated to be 57 kDa assuming an equimolar interaction of ligand and receptor in the 60 kDa complex. The labeling of [125I]PACAP27 binding to this binding protein was partly reduced by the addition of 10(-6) M VIP, but not by 10(-8) M. In the binding assay, VIP displaced the specific binding of [125I]PACAP27 at 10(-7) M or a greater concentration. Displacement of [125I]PACAP27 binding by unlabeled PACAP27 was analyzed in the presence or absence of 10(-6) M VIP. VIP at 10(-6) M reduced the maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of the high affinity binding site for PACAP27 by about 50% but did not alter the Bmax of the low affinity binding site. The dissociation constants (Kd) for both the high and low affinity binding sites were unaltered. These results indicate that PACAP binds to a 57 kDa membrane protein with high affinity and that VIP, at much higher concentrations, binds to this same binding site, suggesting that VIP mimics the biological action of PACAP in astrocytes at high concentrations.     

Pharmacological characterization of the novel helodermin/VIP receptor present in human SUP-T1 lymphoma cell membranes

[Acetyl-His1]VIP stimulated adenylate cyclase with higher potency than VIP in membranes from human SUP-T1 lymphoblasts and was used as an efficient radioiodinated ligand with low non-specific binding to evaluate the relationship between receptor occupancy and adenylate cyclase activation and the possible interference of peptide T (an epitope derived from HIV envelope protein gp120). Various peptides inhibited [125I-acetyl-His1]VIP binding and activated the enzyme, their order of potency being: helodermin greater than [acetyl-His1]VIP greater than VIP = PHI = [Phe1]VIP greater than [D-Phe2]VIP = [D-Ala4]VIP = [D-Phe4]PHI greater than or equal to [D-Phe4]VIP greater than [D-His1]VIP giving further support for the existence of a novel subtype of helodermin/VIP receptors. [D-Ala1]peptide T and VIP-(10-28) did not recognize the binding site and did not inhibit, even at high concentration, VIP - or VIP analogue - stimulated adenylate cyclase activities.     

Beta-adrenoreceptors in the muscular tissue of Anodonta cygnea

The beta-adrenoceptors in the muscular tissue of Anodonta cygnea have been studied for the first time with the use of antagonist [125I] iodocyanopindolol. The tissue membrane had only one class of binding sites with Kd 2.9 +/- 0.02 pM and the maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) 110 +/- 2.4 fmoles/mg of protein. The potency of beta-agonists and antagonists for displacing [125I] iodocyanopindolol for its beta-AR complexes was the following: isoproterenol greater than adrenaline greater than noradrenaline-propranolol greater than serotonin much greater than dopamine greater than phentolamine. The GTP negative regulation of beta-AR affinity has been found. The data obtained show that the beta-AR are functionally coupled with GTP-binding protein which were similar to GTP-proteins of vertebrates.     

Evidence for separate receptors for insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I in choroid plexus of rat brain by quantitative autoradiography

Binding of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to the choroid plexus was quantitatively characterized using autoradiography and computer densitometry. Slide-mounted brain slices were incubated in 0.1 nM [125I]-insulin or [125I]-[Thr59]IGF-I. To determine specificity of the binding sites, the labeled peptides were mixed with unlabeled analogues. Autoradiography was done with LKB Ultrofilm and analyzed with a computer image analysis system and program for densitometry. Results showed that binding was time and temperature dependent and reversible. Binding of the iodinated insulin and IGF-I was inhibited by unlabeled peptides in a dose-dependent manner. The rank order of potency of these peptides in competing for the choroid plexus iodoinsulin binding sites was: chicken insulin greater than porcine insulin greater than desoctapeptide insulin greater than IGF-I. IGF-I was more potent than porcine insulin in competing for the choroid plexus iodolGF-I binding sites. Somatostatin was ineffective. Non-linear regression analysis revealed the presence of high- (Kd 1.3 +/- 0.2 nM) and low-affinity (Kd 36 +/- 1.4 nM) binding sites for insulin and a single high-affinity binding site (Kd 3.1 +/- 0.3 nM) for IGF-I in the choroid plexus. There were approximately 50 times more binding sites (Bmax) for IGF-I than for insulin high-affinity sites, whereas the number of low-affinity sites for insulin was about equal to the number of IGF-I high-affinity sites. The results of these binding studies with iodinated insulin and [Thr59]IGF-I support the conclusion that the rat choroid plexus has separate high-affinity receptors for insulin and IGF-I, and that the IGF-I receptors outnumber the insulin receptors.     

Identification and characterization of atrial natriuretic factor receptors in the rat retina

The characteristics of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) receptors where studied in rat retinal particulate preparations. Specific 125I-ANF binding to retinal particulate preparations was greater than 90% of total binding and saturable at a density (Bmax) of 40 +/- 8 fmol/mg protein with an apparent dissociation constant (Kd) of 6.0 +/- 2.0 pM (n = 3). Apparent equilibrium conditions were established within 30 min. The Kd value of 125I-ANF binding calculated by kinetic analysis was 4.0 pM. The Bmax of 60 +/- 10 fmol/mg protein and the Kd of 5 +/- 2 pM, calculated by competition analysis, were in close agreement with the values obtained from Scatchard plots or kinetic analysis. The 125I-ANF binding to retinal particulate preparations was not inhibited by 1 microM concentration of somatostatin, vasopressin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, adrenocorticotropin, thyrotropin releasing hormone, or leu-enkephalin. The rank order of potency of the unlabelled atrial natriuretic peptides for competing with specific 125I-ANF (101-126) binding sites was rANF (92-126) greater than rANF (101-126) greater than rANF (99-126) greater than rANF (103-126) greater than Tyro-Atriopeptin I greater than hANF (105-126) greater than rANF (1-126). Similar results have been obtained in peripheral tissues and mammalian brain, indicating that central and peripheral ANF-binding sites have somewhat similar structural requirements. Affinity cross-linking of 125I-ANF to retinal particulate preparations resulted in the labelling of two sites of molecular weight 140 and 66 kDa, respectively. This demonstration of specific high-affinity ANF receptors suggests that the peptide may act as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the retina.     

Developmental and lactational changes in the rat anterior pituitary VIP receptor

The regulation of female rat anterior pituitary vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptors was examined during postnatal development and lactation. VIP receptor binding to anterior pituitary membranes from 1- to 60-week-old rats and lactating rats was examined using HPLC purified [Tyr(125I)10]VIP. Nonlinear regression of competitive binding studies indicated the presence of 2 VIP binding sites in 3-week and older animals, whereas only 1 site was identified in 1- and 2-week-old rats. The single site did not differ significantly in affinity or number when compared to the low affinity site of older animals. The guanine nucleotide, GTP-gamma-S, decreased the specific binding of VIP by 60-80% in 3-week and older animals, but not in younger animals. Compared with adult nonlactating animals, the number of high affinity binding sites decreased significantly during lactation, with no change in receptor binding affinity.