Photoaffinity labeling of [3H]flunitrazepam- and [3H]Ro15-4513-bound pellets in rat cerebral cortex and cerebellum

Irreversible incorporation of [3H]flunitrazepam and [3H]Ro15-4513 into GABA/benzodiazepine receptor subunits was studied by UV irradiation using ligand-bound membrane pellets from rat cerebral cortical and cerebellar synaptic membranes. Specific incorporation for [3H]flunitrazepam was greater in the pellet than in the suspension. The incorporation was identical for [3H]Ro15-4513 in both pellet and suspension. With the ligand-bound pellets, 50% of the available binding sites were photolabeled by both ligands in cortex and cerebellum. SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorography of [3H]flunitrazepam photo-labeled receptor revealed the same number of major sites in both brain regions. In contrast, [3H]Ro15-4513 appears to label fewer sites in cortex and cerebellum. Photoaffinity labeling with [3H]flunitrazepam in ligand-bound membrane pellet provides a more selective and reliable method for studying the subunit structure of GABA/benzodiazepine receptor complex.     

Characterization of diazepam-insensitive [3H]Ro 15-4513 binding in rodent brain and cultured cerebellar neuronal cells

Experiments were performed to characterize diazepam-insensitive [³H]Ro 15-4513 binding sites in discrete regions of rodent brain and cultured rat cerebellar granule cells. Scatchard analysis of [³H]Ro 15-4513 binding in the presence of 10 M diazepam revealed that diazepam-insensitive binding sites in the rat brain were most abundant in the cerebellum, followed by the hippocampus, cerebral cortex and olfactory bulb. Diazepam-insensitive sites represented approximately 80% of the total [³H]Ro 15-4513 binding sites in the membranes of cultured rat cerebellar granule cells. The Bmax values for total [³H]Ro 15-4513 and [³⁵S]TBPS are almost identical, and 5–6 times larger than that for [³H]diazepam in this preparation. Although some annelated [1,5-a]benzodiazepine analogues such as Ro 15-4513, Ro 16-6028, flumazenil and Ro 15-3505, and an imidazothienodiazepine, Ro 19-4603, showed high affinity for cortical and cerebellar diazepam-insensitive sites, all the annelated benzodiazepine compounds tested showed higher affinity for cerebellar diazepaminsensitive sites than cortical ones. In contrast, a pyrazoloquinoline compound, CGS 8216, and -carboline analogues such as -carboline-3-carboxylate ethyl ester (-CCE) and -carboline-3-carboxylate methyl ester (-CCM) exhibited higher affinity for cortical than cerebellar sites. These results suggest that diazepam-insensitive sites are heterogeneous in brain areas with respect to ligand specificity.     

Effect of an imidazobenzodiazepine, Ro15-4513, on the incoordination and hypothermia produced by ethanol and pentobarbital

The imidazobenzodiazepine, Ro15-4513, which is a partial inverse agonist at brain benzodiazepine receptors, reversed the incoordinating effect of ethanol in mice, as measured on an accelerating Rotarod. This effect was blocked by benzodiazepine receptor antagonists. In contrast, Ro15-4513 had no effect on ethanol-induced hypothermia in mice. However, Ro15-4513 reversed the hypothermic effect of pentobarbital, and, at a higher dose, also reversed the incoordinating effect of pentobarbital in mice. The data support the hypothesis that certain of the pharmacological effects of ethanol are mediated by actions at the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor-coupled chloride channel.     

Characterization of Two Cerebellar Binding Sites of[3H]Ro 15-4513

Ro 15-4513 (ethyl-8-azido-5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-4H- imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepine-3-carboxylate), a partial inverse agonist of central benzodiazepine receptors, binds to two distinct sites in the cerebellum. The binding to diazepam-sensitive (DZ-S) sites is displaced by different benzodiazepine receptor ligands, whereas the other site is insensitive to benzodiazepine agonists [diazepam-insensitive (DZ-IS)]. The binding of [3H]Ro 15-4513 was studied in pig cerebellar membranes and in receptors solubilized and purified from these. Micromolar concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) decreased DZ-S binding at both 0 and 37 degrees C, whereas it had no effect on DZ-IS binding at 0 degrees C and was stimulatory at 37 degrees C. The pH profiles of [3H]Ro 15-4513 binding were quite similar in both binding sites in the pH range of 5.5-10.5 but differed at acidic pH values from those reported for flunitrazepam and Ro 15-1788 (flumazenil; ethyl-8-fluoro-5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-4H- imidazol[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepine-3-carboxylate) binding in DZ-S sites, suggesting that [3H]Ro 15-4513 does not interact with a histidine residue apparently present in the binding site. Zn2+, Cu2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ enhanced the binding to DZ-S sites, and the first three mentioned also enhanced the binding to DZ-IS sites. [3H]Ro 15-4513 binding activity was solubilized by various detergents. All detergents tested were more efficient in solubilizing DZ-S binding activity. High ionic strength improved especially the solubility of DZ-IS binding activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Identification of a residue in the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor alpha subunit that differentially affects diazepam-sensitive and -insensitive benzodiazepine site binding

GABAA receptors that contain either the alpha4- or alpha6-subunit isoform do not recognize classical 1,4-benzodiazepines (BZDs). However, other classes of BZD site ligands, including beta-carbolines, bind to these diazepam-insensitive receptor subtypes. Some beta-carbolines [e.g. ethyl beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (beta-CCE) and methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM)] display a higher affinity for alpha4- compared to alpha6-containing receptors. In order to identify the structural determinants that underlie these affinity differences, we constructed chimeric alpha6/alpha4 subunits and co-expressed these with wild-type rat beta2 and gamma2L subunits in tsA201 cells for radioligand binding analysis. After identification of candidate regions, site-directed mutagenesis was used to narrow the ligand selectivity to a single amino acid residue (alpha6N204/alpha4I203). Substitutions at alpha6N204 did not alter the affinity of the imidazobenzodiazepine Ro15-4513. A homologous mutation in the diazepam-sensitive alpha1 subunit (S205N) resulted in a 7-8-fold reduction in affinity for the beta-carbolines examined. Although the binding of the classical agonist flunitrazepam was relatively unaffected by this mutation in the alpha1 subunit, the affinity for Ro15-1788 and Ro15-4513 was decreased by approximately 19-fold and approximately 38-fold respectively. The importance of this residue, located in the Loop C region of the extracellular N-terminus of the subunit protein, emphasizes the differential interaction of ligands with the alpha subunit in diazepam-sensitive and -insensitive receptors.     

Differential protein mobility of the gamma-aminobutyric acid, type A, receptor alpha and beta subunit channel-lining segments

The gamma-aminobutyric acid, type A (GABAA), receptor ion channel is lined by the second membrane-spanning (M2) segments from each of five homologous subunits that assemble to form the receptor. Gating presumably involves movement of the M2 segments. We assayed protein mobility near the M2 segment extracellular ends by measuring the ability of engineered cysteines to form disulfide bonds and high affinity Zn(2+)-binding sites. Disulfide bonds formed in alpha1beta1E270Cgamma2 but not in alpha1N275Cbeta1gamma2 or alpha1beta1gamma2K285C. Diazepam potentiation and Zn2+ inhibition demonstrated that expressed receptors contained a gamma subunit. Therefore, the disulfide bond in alpha1beta1E270Cgamma2 formed between non-adjacent subunits. In the homologous acetylcholine receptor 4-A resolution structure, the distance between alpha carbon atoms of 20' aligned positions in non-adjacent subunits is approximately 19 A. Because disulfide trapping involves covalent bond formation, it indicates the extent of movement but does not provide an indication of the energetics of protein deformation. Pairs of cysteines can form high affinity Zn(2+)-binding sites whose affinity depends on the energetics of forming a bidentate-binding site. The Zn2+ inhibition IC50 for alpha1beta1E270Cgamma2 was 34 nm. In contrast, it was greater than 100 microM in alpha1N275Cbeta1gamma2 and alpha1beta1gamma2K285C receptors. The high Zn2+ affinity in alpha1beta1E270Cgamma2 implies that this region in the beta subunit has a high protein mobility with a low energy barrier to translational motions that bring the positions into close proximity. The differential mobility of the extracellular ends of the beta and alpha M2 segments may have important implications for GABA-induced conformational changes during channel gating.     

Acylation of bovine rhodopsin by [3H]palmitic acid

Bovine retinas or preparations of rod outer segments incorporate [3H]palmitic acid into rhodopsin. The incorporation is both time- and temperature-dependent. The major product retains the chromatographic and electrophoretic properties of rhodopsin and remains photosensitive as demonstrated by alteration of its chromatographic behavior upon exposure to light. The incorporated radioactivity resists extraction with organic solvents and is not dissociated from the protein by detergents or under the denaturing conditions of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Radioactive free fatty acid can, however, be released by alkaline hydrolysis. Hydroxylamine treatment yields a mixture of the free fatty acid and the fatty acyl hydroxamate. These results demonstrate the formation of an ester bond between [3H]palmitic acid and rhodopsin. Cycloheximide fails to inhibit the incorporation. This finding along with the ability of rod outer segments to support the incorporation point to the acylation of rhodopsin as a late post-translational event.     

Effect of Diethyl Pyrocarbonate Modification of Benzodiazepine Receptors on [3H]Ro 15-4513 Binding

The effects of treatment of brain membranes with diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEP), a histidine-modifying reagent, on the binding of 3H-labeled Ro 15-4513 (ethyl-8-azido-5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-4H-imidazo[1,5-a]- [1,4]benzodiazepine-3-carboxylate) and [3H]diazepam were compared. DEP pretreatment produced a dose-dependent decrease in [3H]diazepam binding, whereas low DEP concentrations enhanced the binding of [3H]Ro 15-4513. These effects were reversed by incubation with hydroxylamine after the treatment. The enhancement of [3H]Ro 15-4513 binding was due to an increase in the affinity of the binding sites (KD), without any effect on binding capacity (Bmax). The enhancement was perceived in cerebral cortical, cerebellar, and hippocampal membranes. DEP treatment decreased the displacement of [3H]Ro 15-4513 binding by diazepam and FG 7142 (N-methyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxamide) but not by Ro 15-4513 and Ro 19-4603 (tert-butyl-5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-4H-imidazol[1,5- a]thieno[2,3-f][1,4]diazepine-3-carboxylate). Although the stimulating effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on [3H]-diazepam binding was not affected by DEP treatment, such treatment reduced the inhibitory effect of GABA on [3H]Ro 15-4513 binding. The enhancement of [3H]Ro 15-4513 binding was observed in membranes pretreated with DEP in the presence of flunitrazepam, whereas such pretreatment reduced significantly the inhibitory effect of DEP on [3H]-diazepam binding.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Identification of amino acid residues photolabeled with 2-azido[alpha-32P]adenosine diphosphate in the beta subunit of beef heart mitochondrial F1-ATPase

When beef heart mitochondrial F1-ATPase is photoirradiated in the presence of 2-azido[alpha-32P]adenosine diphosphate, the beta subunit of the enzyme is preferentially photolabeled [Dalbon, P., Boulay, F., & Vignais, P. V. (1985) FEBS Lett. 180, 212-218]. The site of photolabeling of the beta subunit has been explored. After cyanogen bromide cleavage of the photolabeled beta subunit, only the peptide fragment extending from Gln-293 to Met-358 was found to be labeled. This peptide was isolated and digested by trypsin or Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease. Digestion by trypsin yielded four peptides, one of which spanned residues Ala-338-Arg-356 and contained all the bound radioactivity. When trypsin was replaced by V8 protease, a single peptide spanning residues Leu-342-Met-358 was labeled. Edman degradation of the two labeled peptides showed that radioactivity was localized on the following four amino acids: Leu-342, Ile-344, Tyr-345, and Pro-346.     

gamma-aminobutyric acid increases the water accessibility of M3 membrane-spanning segment residues in gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors

gamma-Aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptors are members of the ligand-gated ion channel gene superfamily. Using the substituted cysteine accessibility method, we investigated whether residues in the alpha(1)M3 membrane-spanning segment are water-accessible. Cysteine was substituted, one at a time, for each M3 residue from alpha(1)Ala(291) to alpha(1)Val(307). The ability of these mutants to react with the water-soluble, sulfhydryl-specific reagent pCMBS(-) was assayed electrophysiologically. Cysteines substituted for alpha(1)Ala(291) and alpha(1)Tyr(294) reacted with pCMBS(-) applied both in the presence and in the absence of GABA. Cysteines substituted for alpha(1)Phe(298), alpha(1)Ala(300), alpha(1)Leu(301), and alpha(1)Glu(303) only reacted with pCMBS(-) applied in the presence of GABA. We infer that the pCMBS(-) reactive residues are on the water-accessible surface of the protein and that GABA induces a conformational change that increases the water accessibility of the four M3 residues, possibly by inducing the formation of water-filled crevices that extend into the interior of the protein. Others have shown that mutations of alpha(1)Ala(291), a water-accessible residue, alter volatile anesthetic and ethanol potentiation of GABA-induced currents. Water-filled crevices penetrating into the interior of the membrane-spanning domain may allow anesthetics and alcohol to reach their binding sites and thus may have implications for the mechanisms of action of these agents.     

Arg-274 and Leu-277 of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor alpha 2 subunit define agonist efficacy and potency

Alanine-scanning mutagenesis and the whole cell voltage clamp technique were used to investigate the function of the extracellular loop between the second and third transmembrane domains (TM2-TM3) of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA(A)-R). A conserved arginine residue in the TM2-TM3 loop of the GABA(A)-R alpha(2) subunit was mutated to alanine, and the mutant alpha(2)(R274A) was co-expressed with wild-type beta(1) and gamma(2S) subunits in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. The GABA EC(50) was increased by about 27-fold in the mutant receptor relative to receptors containing a wild-type alpha(2) subunit. Similarly, the GABA EC(50) at alpha(2)(L277A)beta(1)gamma(2S) and alpha(2)(K279A)beta(1)gamma(2S) GABA(A)-R combinations was increased by 51- and 4-fold, respectively. The alpha(2)(R274A) or alpha(2)(L277A) mutations also reduced the maximal response of piperidine-4-sulfonic acid relative to GABA by converting piperidine-4-sulfonic acid into a weak partial agonist at the GABA(A)-R. Based on these results, we propose that alpha(2)(Arg-274) and alpha(2)(Leu-277) are crucial to the efficient transduction of agonist binding into channel gating at the GABA(A)-R.     

Benzodiazepine receptor binding in vivo with [3H]-Ro 15-1788

In vivo benzodiazepine receptor binding has generally been studied by "ex vivo" techniques. In this investigation, we identify the conditions where [3H]-Ro 15-1788 labels benzodiazepine receptors by true "in vivo" binding, i.e. where workable specific to nonspecific ratios are obtained in intact tissues without homogenization or washing. [3H]-Flunitrazepam and [3H]-clonazepam did not exhibit useful in vivo receptor binding.     

Identification of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit types in human and rat liver

GABA is a potent inhibitory neurotransmitter that binds to heterooligomeric receptors in the mammalian brain. In a previous study, we documented specific GABA binding to isolated rat hepatocytes that resulted in inhibition of hepatocyte proliferation. The purpose of the present study was to define the nature of hepatic GABA(A) receptors and to document their expression during rapid liver growth (after partial hepatectomy). PCRs with gene-specific primers derived from published sequences were performed with Marathon-ready human and rat liver cDNA. Two GABA(A) receptor subunit types (beta3 and epsilon) were expressed in human liver and one subunit type (beta3) in rat liver. PCR amplification of the human GABA(A) receptorbeta3-subunit produced a single product (molecular mass 53-59 kDa). In the case of the epsilon-subunit, two PCR products were identified. After partial hepatectomy, GABA(A) receptorbeta3-subunit expression inversely correlated with regenerative activity (r = -0.527, P = 0.006). In conclusion, these results indicate that in the human liver GABA(A) receptors consist of the beta3- and epsilon-subunit types, whereas in the rat liver only the beta3-subunit type is expressed. The results also support the hypothesis that GABAergic activity serves to maintain hepatocytes in a quiescent state.     

3H]muscimol photolabels the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor binding site on a peptide subunit distinct from that labeled with benzodiazepines

Affinity column-purified GABA-benzodiazepine receptor protein from bovine brain was photoaffinity labeled with both [3H]flunitrazepam and [3H]muscimol. Gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate revealed that the benzodiazepine binding site labeled with [3H]flunitrazepam was primarily associated with a major peptide subunit revealed by protein staining with Mr = 52 kiloDaltons, with minor labeling of a second peptide of Mr = 57 kiloDaltons, corresponding to a second major stained band. Covalent incorporation of [3H]muscimol was limited to the 57 kiloDalton band, with no labeling of the 52 kiloDalton peptide, showing that the GABA binding site is carried by a subunit distinct from that carrying the benzodiazepine binding site.     

Photolabeling of the phosphate binding site of mitochondrial F1-ATPase by [32P]azidonitrophenyl phosphate. Identification of the photolabeled amino acid residues

[32P]Azidonitrophenyl phosphate [( 32P]ANPP) is a photoactivatable analogue of Pi. It competes efficiently with Pi for binding to the F1 sector of beef heart mitochondrial ATPase and photolabels the Pi binding site located in the beta subunit of F1 [Lauquin, G. J. M., Pougeois, R., & Vignais, P. V. (1980) Biochemistry 19, 4620-4626]. By cleavage of the photolabeled beta subunit of F1 with cyanogen bromide, trypsin, and chymotrypsin, bound [32P]ANPP was localized in a fragment spanning Thr 299-Phe 326. By Edman degradation of the radiolabeled tryptic peptide spanning Ile 296-Arg 337, [32P]ANPP was found to be attached covalently by its photoreactive group to Ile 304, Gln 308, and Tyr 311. These results are discussed in terms of a model in which the phosphate group of [32P]ANPP interacts with a glycine-rich sequence of the beta subunit, spanning Gly 156-Lys 162, which is spatially close to the photolabeled Ile 304-Tyr 311 segment of the same subunit.     

Mapping the alpha-subunit site photolabeled by the noncompetitive inhibitor [3H]quinacrine azide in the active state of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

We have characterized the time-resolved labeling of a site on the Torpedo californica electrocyte acetylcholine receptor (ACHR) by the photoreactive noncompetitive inhibitor derivative quinacrine azide (QA). The dependence of [3H]QA labeling on acetylcholine (ACH) concentration and on time is consistent with the preferential labeling by [3H]QA of ACHR in the open state. The ACH-dependent [3H]QA labeling, which was associated predominantly with the alpha-subunit, was blocked by other noncompetitive inhibitors including quinacrine, chlorpromazine, proadifen, histrionicotoxin, and bupivacaine. alpha-Subunit from ACHR labeled with [3H]QA 20 ms after the addition of ACH was cleaved with CNBr, and the fragments were separated by high pressure liquid chromatography. A peptide containing a major site of specific labeling was purified on two different reverse-phase columns. By N-terminal sequencing, amino acid composition, binding to mercurial-agarose, and apparent molecular weight, this [3H]QA-labeled peptide was identified as alpha-208-243, a CNBr fragment containing the putative membrane-spanning helix M1.     

Identification of the prostacyclin receptor by use of [15-3H1]19-(3-azidophenyl)-20-norisocarbacyclin, an irreversible specific photoaffinity probe.

The prostaglandin I (PGI2) receptor of mouse mastocytoma P-815 cells was characterized by photo-affinity labeling with the stable PGI2 analogue [15-3H1]-19-(3-azidophenyl)-20-norisocarbacyclin ([3H] APNIC) used as a potential photoaffinity probe for the receptor. [3H]APNIC bound to the mastocytoma membrane with high affinity and in a saturable manner. Scatchard plot analysis indicated a single binding site with a Kd of 4.7 nM and a Bmax of 0.58 pmol/mg protein. The binding of [3H]APNIC was dose dependently inhibited by APNIC and iloprost, another stable PGI2 agonist, and to a much lesser extent by PGE2. The binding of the radioligand showed sensitivity to the guanine nucleotide guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio-triphosphate) (GTP gamma S). Photolysis of [3H]APNIC-prelabeled membranes resulted in incorporation of radiolabel into a protein of approximately 43 kDa. Photolabeling was inhibited by PGI2 agonists and other prostaglandins with specificity for the PGI2 receptor and was modulated by GTP gamma S. A protein of approximately 45 kDa was also labeled by [3H]APNIC in the membrane of porcine platelets, membranes that are known to be abundant in PGI2 receptors. These results demonstrate that [3H]APNIC specifically labels a protein that may represent the PGI2 receptor and that this radioprobe will be a useful reagent for further characterization and purification of the PGI2 receptor.     

Effects of the imidazobenzodiazepine RO15-4513 on the stimulant and depressant actions of ethanol on spontaneous locomotor activity

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the imidazobenzodiazepine RO15-4513, a partial inverse agonist at benzodiazepine (BDZ) receptors, on the stimulant and depressant actions of ethanol in mice. For comparative purposes, another BDZ inverse agonist, FG-7142, was examined as well. Neither RO15-4513 nor FG-7142 influenced the low-dose excitatory effects of ethanol on spontaneous locomotor activity. However, both RO15-4513 and FG-7142 significantly antagonized the depressant effects of ethanol, and this antagonism was completely reversed by pretreatment with the BDZ receptor antagonist, RO15-1788. These data suggest that RO15-4513 is capable of antagonizing only some of the behavioral effects of ethanol, and in particular, those responses to ethanol that are mediated by modulation of the GABA/BDZ-chloride channel receptor complex.     

3H]Ro 15-1788 binding sites to brain membrane of the saltwater Mugil cephalus

The equilibrium binding parameters of the benzodiazepine antagonist [3H]Ro 15-1788 (8-fluoro-3-carboethoxy-5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-4H-imidazol-[1,5-a]-1,4 benzodiazepine) were evaluated in brain membranes of the saltwater teleost fish, Mugil cephalus. To test receptor subtype specificity, displacement studies were carried out by competitive binding of [3H]Ro 15-1788 against six benzodiazepine receptor ligands, flunitrazepam [5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-7-nitro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one], alpidem [N,N-dipropyl-6-chloro-2-(4-chlorophenyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-acetamide], zolpidem [N,N-6 trimethyl-2-(4-methyl-phenyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-acetamide hemitartrate], and beta-CCM (methyl beta-carboline-3-carboxylate). Saturation studies showed that [3H]Ro 15-1788 bound saturatably, reversibly and with a high affinity to a single class of binding sites (Kd value of 1.18-1.5 nM and Bmax values of 124-1671 fmol/mg of protein, depending on brain regions). The highest concentration of benzodiazepine recognition sites labeled with [3H]Ro 15-1788 was present in the optic lobe and the olfactory bulb and the lowest concentration was found in the medulla oblongata, cerebellum and spinal cord. The rank order of displacement efficacy of unlabelled ligands observed suggested that central-type benzodiazepine receptors are present in one class of binding sites (Type I-like) in brain membranes of Mugil cephalus. Moreover, the uptake of 36Cl- into M. cephalus brain membrane vesicles was only marginally stimulated by concentrations of GABA that significantly enhanced the 36Cl- uptake into mammalian brain membrane vesicles. The results may indicate a different functional activity of the GABA-coupled chloride ionophore in the fish brain as compared with the mammalian brain.     

Amino acid residues that confer high selectivity of the alpha6 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit to alpha-conotoxin MII[S4A,E11A,L15A

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) containing alpha3 and beta2 subunits are found in autonomic ganglia and mediate ganglionic transmission. The closely related alpha6 nAChR subtype is found in the central nervous system where changes in its level of expression are observed in Parkinson's disease. To obtain a ligand that discriminates between these two receptors, we designed and synthesized a novel analog ofalpha-conotoxin MII, MII[S4A,E11A,L15A], and tested it on nAChRs expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The peptide blocked chimeric alpha6/alpha3beta2beta3 nAChRs with an IC(50) of 1.2 nm; in contrast, its IC(50) on the closely related alpha3beta2 as well as non-alpha6 nAChRs was three orders of magnitude higher. We identified the residues in the receptors that are responsible for their differential sensitivity to the peptide. We constructed chimeras with increasingly longer fragments of the N-terminal ligand binding domain of the alpha3 subunit inserted into the homologous positions of the alpha6 subunit, and these were used to determine that the region downstream of the first 140 amino acids was involved. Further mutagenesis of this region revealed that the alpha6 subunit residues Glu-152, Asp-184, and Thr-195 were critical, and replacement of these three residues with their homologs from the alpha3 subunit increased the IC(50) of the peptide by >1000-fold. Conversely, when these key residues inalpha3 were replaced with those fromalpha6, the IC(50) decreased by almost 150-fold. Similar effects were seen with other alpha6-selective conotoxins, suggesting the general importance of thesealpha6 residues in conferring selective binding.