Effects of somatostatin and a somatostatin agonist on diet-induced pancreatitis in mice

We examined the effects of somatostatin-14 and the potent somatostatin agonist (N-acetyl-[Des(Ala¹, Gly²),p-Cl-Phe⁶,D-Trp⁸]-somatostatin amide) on choline deficient, ethionine enrichèd diet (CDED)-induced acute pancreatitis in mice. Serum amylase determinations were performed, and specimens from the pancreas were examined by light and electron microscopy. No significant beneficial effects of somatostatin or its agonist were found in this model of acute pancreatitis.     

Studies on bombesin-induced grooming in rats

The gross behavior induced by centrally administered bombesin in rats was compared to that elicited by ACTH-(1–24) and the somatostatin analog, des AA^{1,2,4,5,12,13}[D-Trp⁸]-somatostatin (ODT8-SS). Bombesin (0.001–1 μg, ICV) caused dose-related excessive scratching which was qualitatively different from that associated with the other two groom-inducing agents. Bombesin-induced grooming was not markedly affected by behaviorally nondepressant doses of haloperidol, morphine, naloxone or neurotensin. Bombesin was active in genetically hypotrichotic (essentially furless) rats; and, again in such animals, even after numbing the area caudal to the shoulders with lidocaine. Tolerance and cross-tolerance studies with bombesin and ODT8-SS indicated that they produce scratching through different mechanisms. Bombesin caused scratching when injected directly into the periaqueductal gray, but not when administered intravenously. Neither hypophysectomy nor adrenalectomy markedly affected bombesin-induced grooming. This behavior appears to be initiated in the central nervous system and is produced independently of the pituitary-adrenal axis.     

Characterization of pancreatic somatostatin binding sites with a I-somatostatin 28 analog

Somatostatin binding to guinea pig pancreatic acinar cell plasma membranes was characterized with an iodinated stable analog of somatostatin 28 (S₂₈): ¹²⁵I-[Leu⁸, DTrp²²,Tyr²⁵] S₂₈. The binding was highly dependent on calcium ions. In 0.2 mM free Ca²⁺ medium, binding at 37°C was saturable, slowly reversible and exhibited a single class of high affinity binding sites (K_D=0.05±0.01 nM, B_max=157±33 fmol/mg protein). Dissociation of bound radioactivity occurred with biphasic kinetics. Rate of dissociation increased when dissociation was measured at a time before equilibrium binding was reached. In 30 nM free Ca²⁺ medium, binding affinity and maximal binding capacity were decreased by about 4-fold. Decreasing calcium concentrations increased the amount of rapidly dissociating form of the receptor. Somatostatin 14 antagonist, Des AA^1,2[AzaAla^4–5,DTrp⁸,Phe^12–13]-somatostatin was active at the membrane level in inhibiting the binding. We conclude that using ¹²⁵I-[Leu⁸,DTrp²²,Tyr²⁵]S₂₈ as radioligand allows us to characterize a population of specific somatostatin receptors which are not different from those we previously described with the radioligand ¹²⁵I-[Tyr¹¹]-somatostatin. Somatostatin receptors could exist in two interconvertible forms. Calcium ions are an essential component in the regulation of the conformational change of somatostatin receptors.     

Purification and Some Characteristics of an ACTH-Sensitive Protein Kinase and Its Substrate Protein in Rat Brain Membranes

Abstract: ACTH inhibits the phosphorylation of a rat brain membrane-bound protein (B-50). Both the protein kinase and the substrate protein could be extracted from the membranes by means of treatment with Triton X-100 in 75 mM-KCl. Using column chromatography over DEAE-cellulose and ammonium sulphate precipitation a protein fraction (ASP 55–80) enriched in endogenous B-50 phosphorylating activity was obtained. The time course of the endogenous phosphorylation of B-50 in this fraction showed a linear incorporation with time for at least 10 min and reached an estimated maximal incorporation of 0.65 mol P/mol B-50 after 60 min. The inhibition by ACTH_{1_24} of the B-50 protein kinase in ASP 55–80 was dose-dependent; the half-maximal effective concentration was 5 × 10⁻⁶ M, being 10 to 50 times lower as compared with intact synaptic plasma membranes (SPM). cAMP, cGMP and various endor-phins had no effect on the B-50 protein kinase. The B-50 protein kinase required both magnesium and calcium for optimal activity. Using two-dimensional electrophoresis on polyacrylamide slab gels the B-50 protein kinase and the B-50 protein could be identified and purified. The isoelectric point (IEP) of the kinase is 5.5 and the apparent molecular weight 70,000, whereas the IEP of the substrate protein B-50 is 4.5 and the apparent molecular weight 48,000. Amino acid analysis on microgram quantities of purified kinase and B-50 protein revealed basic/acidic amino acid ratios in agreement with the respective lEP's. It is speculated that the inhibition of B-50 protein kinase may be related to known modulatory effects of ACTH and related peptides on certain types of neurotransmission and behaviour.     

Properties of amino-terminal parathyroid hormone-related peptides modified at positions 11–13

Biological properties of amino-terminal PTHrP analogues modified in the region 11–13 were examined using ROS 17/2.8 cells. [Leu¹¹,D-Trp¹²,Arg¹³,Tyr³⁶]PTHrP(1–36)amide had a 17-fold lower binding affinity for the receptor (apparent K_d: 5 × 10⁻⁸ M) than [Tyr³⁶]PTHrP(1–36)amide or [Arg^11,13,Tyr³⁶]PTHrP(1–36)amide (apparent K_d for both: 2 × 10⁻⁹ M). Moreover, it is only a weak partial agonist despite completely inhibiting radioligand binding. [Leu¹¹,D-Trp¹²,Arg¹³,Tyr³⁶,Cys³⁸]PTHrP(7–38) and PTHrP(7–34)amide had similar receptor affinities (apparent K_ds: 5 × 10⁻⁸ M and 8 × 10⁻⁸ M), while that of [Nle^8,18,Tyr³⁴]bPTH(7–34)amide was more than 10-fold lower (apparent K_d: 2 × 10⁻⁶ M). These changes in biological properties suggest that high affinity receptor binding requires both amino- and carboxyl-terminal domains of the PTHrP(1–36) sequence and/or intramolecular interactions which are impaired by the D-Trp substitution for Gly¹².     

Involvement of dopamine in the central effect of neurotensin on intestinal motility in rats

The effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of neurotensin (NT) before a meal on intestinal postprandial motility were examined in conscious rats chronically fitted with intraparietal Nichrome electrodes in the duodeno-jejunum. The effects were compared with those of two analogues, [D-Tyr¹¹]NT and [D-Trp¹¹]NT, resistant to degradation by brain peptidases. NT (10 μg ICV) delayed the occurrence of postprandial disruption of duodenal motility and blocked it on the jejunum. [D-Tyr¹¹]NT and [D-Trp¹¹]NT (1 μg ICV) elicited the same effects but at a ten-fold lower dose. NT administered peripherally just before a meal significantly lengthened the duration of the postprandial motor pattern. The central effect of NT on the fed pattern involved dopaminergic neurons as it was mimicked by dopamine, blocked by haloperidol and partly antagonized by either sulpiride or (+) SCH 23390. It is concluded that: 1) both D₁ and D₂ receptors are involved in the blocking effect of the postprandial disruption induced by central NT; 2) that [D-Tyr¹¹]NT and [D-Trp¹¹]NT are potent agonists at NT receptors in the brain.     

Structure-activity relationships of trout bradykinin ([Arg(0),Trp(5),Leu(8)]-bradykinin)

Trout bradykinin ([Arg⁰,Trp⁵,Leu⁸]-BK) produces sustained and concentration–dependent contractions of isolated longitudinal smooth muscle from trout stomach, although mammalian BK is without effect. Circular dichroism studies have demonstrated that trout BK, unlike mammalian BK, does not adopt a stable β-turn conformation, even in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or trifluoroethanol. The myotropic actions of a series of analogs in which each amino acid in trout BK was replaced by either alanine or the corresponding D-isomer were investigated. The peptides with Ala⁴, D-Pro³, D-Trp⁵, D-Ser⁶, and D-Pro⁷ substitutions were inactive and did not act as antagonists of trout BK. The analog with [Ala⁵] was a weak partial agonist. The substitution (Arg⁰ → Ala) led to >50-fold decrease in potency but, in contrast to the importance of Phe⁸ in both BK and desArg⁹-BK in activating the mammalian B₂ and B₁ receptors respectively, substitutions at Leu⁸ in trout BK had only a minor effect on potency. Antagonists to the mammalian B₂ receptor generally contain a D-aromatic amino acid at position 7 of BK but the analog [Arg⁰,Trp⁵,D-Phe⁷,Leu⁸]-BK was a weak agonist at the trout receptor. Similarly, the potent nonpeptide mammalian B₂ receptor antagonist FR173657 was without effect on the action of trout BK. These data suggest the hypothesis that the receptor binding conformation of trout BK is defined by the central region (residues 3–7) of the peptide but is adopted only upon interaction with the receptor. The bioactive conformation is probably stabilized by an ionic interaction between Arg⁰ in the peptide and an acidic residue in the receptor.     

Interaction of calmodulin with synaptic plasma membranes isolated from sheep brain

Calmodulin binding to a membrane fraction enriched in synaptic plasma membranes of sheep brain cells was investigated with [¹²⁵I]calmodulin. Calmodulin binding to these membranes is Ca²⁺-dependent with a half maximal saturation at the pCa value of about 5.5. The binding is reduced by replacing Ca²⁺ with Mg²⁺, but it is significantly enhanced when both cations are present in the medium. Cation-dependent binding is specific and saturable with an apparent K_D of about 47–50 nM and a maximal capacity of about 4 pmol mg⁻¹ protein. The results indicate that synaptic plasma membranes isolated from sheep brain cells interact with calmodulin in a Ca²⁺-dependent, Mg²⁺-facilitated manner.     

Stimulatory effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on the secretory activity of dispersed rat adrenocortical cells. Evidence for the interaction of VIP with ACTH receptors

VIP dose-dependently increased basal, but not submaximally ACTH (10⁻¹⁰ M)-stimulated, aldosterone (ALDO) and corticosterone (B) secretion of dispersed rat capsular and inner adrenocortical cells, respectively. The maximal stimulatory effect (60–70% rise) was obtained with a VIP concentration of 10⁻⁸ M. [4-Cl-D-Phe⁶,Leu¹⁷]-VIP, a VIP-receptor antagonist (VIP-A), and corticotropin inhibiting peptide (CIP), an ACTH receptor antagonist (both 10⁻⁶ M), completely annulled VIP (10⁻⁸M)-evoked rises in basal ALDO and corticosterone secretions. The ACTH (10⁻¹⁰ M)-enhanced (about 5-fold) production of both hormones was completely reversed by CIP (10⁻⁶ M) and only partially reduced (about −30%) by VIP-A (10⁻⁶ M). The hypothesis is advanced that the weak secretagogue effect of VIP on dispersed rat capsular and inner adrenocortical cells may be due to its positive interaction with ACTH receptors.     

Characterization of functional VIP/PACAP receptors in the human erythroleukemic HEL cell line

R. LEMA-KISOKA, N. HAYEZ, I. LANGER, P. ROBBERECHT, E. SARIBAN AND C. DELPORTE. Characterization of functional VIP/PACAP receptors in the human erythroleukemic HEL cell line. PEPTIDES. The presence of VIP/PACAP receptors was investigated on the human erythroleukemic cell line HEL. Specific binding of [¹²⁵I]-PACAP or [¹²⁵I]-VIP on HEL cells or membranes was very low and did not allow to perform competition curves. At 37°C PACAP transiently increased cAMP levels in the presence of the non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX, suggesting rapid desensitization. Kinetic studies revealed that optimal conditions to measure the EC₅₀ of PACAP(1–27) were 10 min at 20°C. Under those conditions, PACAP-related peptides increased cAMP levels with EC₅₀ in agreement with the pharmacological profile of the VPAC₁ receptor subtype: PACAP = VIP > [K¹⁵, R^16, L²⁷]VIP(1–7)/GRF(8–27) = [R¹⁶]ChSn (two VPAC₁ agonists) HELODERMIN = secretin. RO 25–1553, a selective activator of VPAC₂ receptor was inactive at 1 μM. Dose-response curves of VPAC₁ agonist molecules (PACAP, VIP, [K¹⁵, R¹⁶, L²⁷]VIP(1–7)/GRF(8–27), [R¹⁶]ChSn) were shifted to the right by the VPAC₁ receptor antagonist [AcHis¹, D-Phe², Lys¹⁵, Leu¹⁷]VIP(3–7)/GRF(8–27), with a K_i of 3 ± 1 nM (n = 3). The presence of VPAC₁ receptor mRNA was confirmed by RT-PCR. Preincubation with PACAP or PMA showed that VPAC₁ receptors underwent homologous and heterologous desensitization.

This study provides the first evidence for the expression of functional VPAC₁ receptors undergoing rapid desensitization in HEL cells.     

Subcellular localization and some properties of the enzymes hydrolysing inositol polyphosphates in rat liver

The hydrolysis of inositol [³²P]trisphosphate (IP₃) and inositol [³²P]bisphosphate (IP₂) has been examined in subcellular fractions of rat liver. IP₃ was degraded by an enzyme located in the plasma membrane which did not degrade IP₂. Cytosolic fractions were found to degrade both IP₃ and IP₃. The IP₃ phosphatase activity of liver plasma membranes displayed a neutral pH optimum, was Mg²⁺ dependent and was not inhibited by high concentrations of Li⁺. Half-maximal activity of the enzymes hydrolysing IP₃ and IP₂ was obtained with substrate concentrations in the range 1–2μM. The significance of these observations to the proposed Ca²⁺ -mobilizing role of IP₃ is discussed.     

Distinct Differences Between Morphine- and [d-Ala2,N-MePhe4,Gly-ol5]-Enkephalin- μ-Opioid Receptor Complexes Demonstrated by Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Phosphorylation

Abstract: The present study demonstrates a conditional, agonist-dependent phosphorylation of the μ-opioid receptor (MOR-1) by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in membrane preparations of MOR-1-transfected neuroblastoma Neuro2A cells. Opioid agonist-dependent phosphorylation occurs in a time- and concentration-dependent manner (EC₅₀∼40 n M ) and can be abolished by the receptor antagonist naloxone. Stoichiometric analysis indicates incorporation of a maximum of 6 mol of phosphate/mol of receptor in the presence of 1 µ M morphine and 6 n M PKA. Although morphine and related alkaloids as well as some peptide agonists (PLO17 and β-endorphin) stimulated phosphorylation of MOR-1 by PKA, the potent μ-opioid-selective peptide [ d -Ala², N -MePhe⁴,Gly-ol⁵]-enkephalin (DAMGO) or other enkephalin analogues such as [ d -Ala²]-Met⁵-enkephalinamide (DALA), [ d -Ala², d -Leu⁵]-enkephalin (DADLE), and Met⁵-enkephalin had no effect. The lack of the effect of DAMGO on MOR-1 phosphorylation state was evident also after chronic pretreatment. These results suggest the existence of different agonist-dependent conformations of MOR-1. Furthermore, phosphorylation may be a useful parameter with which to identify different agonist-receptor conformations.     

Substance P analogues function as bombesin receptor antagonists and inhibit small cell lung cancer clonal growth

Human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) produces and secretes BN/GRP (bombesin/gastrin releasing peptide). Because BN stimulates the growth of SCLC cells and these cells have receptors for BN-like peptides, it is important to define agents which disrupt this self-promoting autocrine growth cycle. Here, substance P analogues were evaluated as BN receptor antagonists using SCLC cell lines. (D-Arg¹, D-Pro², D-Trp^7,9, Leu¹¹) substance P [(APTTL)SP] was one of the more potent analogues tested in inhibiting BN-like peptide receptor binding with an IC₅₀ value of 1 μM. Micromolar concentrations of (APTTL)SP antagonized BN receptor mediated elevation of cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels and decreased the colony formation in soft agarose. These data suggest that SP analogues function as SCLC BN receptor antagonists and may be useful in disrupting the autocrine growth function of BN-like peptides.     

Affinity-Purified Anti-B-50 Protein Antibody: Interference with the Function of the Phosphoprotein B-50 in Synaptic Plasma Membranes

Abstract: Affinity-purified anti-B-50 protein antibodies were used to study the previously proposed relationship of the phosphorylation state of B-50 protein and polyphosphoinositide metabolism in synaptic plasma membranes. Antibodies were raised against a membrane extract enriched in the B-50 protein and its adrenocorticotropin-sensitive protein kinase, obtained from rat brain. Anti-B-50 protein immunoglobulins were purified by affinity chromatography on a solid immunosorbent prepared from B-50 protein isolated by an improved procedure. The purified antibodies reacted only with the B-50 and B-60 protein, a proteolysis derivative (of B-50), as assessed by the sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel immunoperoxidase method. These antibodies inhibited specifically the endogenous phosphorylation of B-50 protein in synaptic plasma membranes, without affecting notably the phosphorylation of other membrane proteins. This inhibition was accompanied by changes of the formation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-diphosphate and phosphatidic acid in synaptic plasma membranes, whereas formation of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate was not altered. Inhibition by ACTH _1–24 of the endogenous phosphorylation of B-50 protein in membranes was associated only with an enhancement of the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-diphosphate. These data support our hypothesis on the functional interaction of B-50 protein and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate kinase in rat brain membranes. The evidence shows that purified anti-B-50 protein antibodies can be used to probe specifically the function of B-50 protein in membranes.     

Regional interactions of opioid peptides at μ and δ sites in rat brain

Opiate binding sites in five brain regions were labeled with the μ and δ markers, ³H-morphine and ³H-[D-Ala²,D-leu⁵]enkephalin, respectively. The highest densities of both ³H-morphine and ³H-DADLE labeled sites are found in striatum and frontal cortex. Hypothalamus and midbrain contain predominantly ³H-morphine labeled sites. The selectivity of the opioid peptides [D-Ala²,D-leu⁵]enkephalin, β-endorphin and dynorphin(1–13) for the two opiate sites was investigated by comparing the potency of these unlabeled compounds against the μ and δ markers in different brain regions. This determination has the effect of controlling for the breakdown of peptides within each region. While the enkephalin analogue shows a preference for the δ binding site and β-endorphin is more nearly equipotent towards the two binding sites, dynorphin(1–13) shows a high affinity and selective preference for the μ binding site over the δ site. The potency of the opioid peptides in displacing the μ and δ markers varies from region to region according to the relative densities of the two opiate binding site populations.     

Development of Synaptic Glycoproteins: Effect of Postnatal Age on the Synthesis and Concentration of Synaptic Membrane and Synaptic Junctional Fucosyl and Sialyl Glycoproteins

Abstract: Synaptic plasma membranes (SPM) and synaptic junctions (SJ) were isolated from the cortices of rats varying in age between 5 and 28 days. Gel electrophoresis of SPM and SJ indicated a marked increase in the concentration of the "PSD protein" (M. W. 52,000) with development. The biosynthesis of glycoproteins was measured following the intracranial injection of [³H]fucose or [³H] N '-acetylmannosamine. The incorporation of [³H]fucose into synaptic fractions decreased two- to threefold between 10 and 28 days whereas little change in the incorporation of [³H] N '-acetylmannosamine occurred over the same period. Gel electrophoretic analyses of labeled synaptic membranes indicated major increases in the relative incorporation of radiolabeled precursors into glycoproteins with apparent molecular weights of 74,000, 65,000, 50,000, and 40,000 with increasing age. Identification of fucosyl and sialyl glycoproteins following reaction with ¹²⁵I-fucose-binding protein or labeling of sialic acid with NaIO₄NaB[³H₄] demonstrated similar increases in the concentrations of these glycoproteins. Synaptic junctions contained three major glycoproteins with apparent molecular weights of 180,000, 130,000 and 110,000. The reaction of these glycoproteins with ¹²⁵I-fucose-binding protein increased one- to twofold between 10 and 28 days but little variation in their relative distribution or synthesis occurred over this period. The reaction of synaptic junctional glycoproteins GP 180 and GP 110 with ¹²⁵I-wheat germ ag-glutinin increased between 10 and 28 days. The results indicate that the molecular composition of the synapse continues to evolve after the initial synaptic contact has been formed.     

Beta-endorphin-like peptide SLTCLVKGFY reduces the production of 11-oxycorticosteroids by rat adrenal cortex through nonopioid beta-endorphin receptors

β-Endorphin-like peptide immunorphin (SLTCLVKGFY), a selective agonist of nonopioid β-endorphin receptor, was labeled with tritium to specific activity of 24 Ci/mmol. It was used for the detection and characterization of nonopioid β-endorphin receptors on rat adrenal cortex membranes (K_d=31.6±0.2 nM, B_max=37.4±2.2 pmol/mg protein). Immunorphin at concentrations of 10⁻⁹ to 10⁻⁶ M was found to inhibit the adenylate cyclase activity in adrenal cortex membranes, while intramuscular injection of immunorphin at doses of 10–100 μg/kg was found to reduce the secretion of 11-oxycorticosteroids from the adrenals to the bloodstream.     

The State of Phosphorylation of Normal Adult Brain τ, Fetal τ, and τ from Alzheimer Paired Helical Filaments at Amino Acid Residue Ser262

Abstract: Antibody Ab262 was raised against a synthetic τ peptide (SKIGSTENLK, amino acids 258–267 of τ, termed Ser²⁶² peptide). The antibody was more reactive with Ser²⁶² peptide and unphosphorylated τ than a related phosphopeptide [SKIGS(P)TENLK, termed P-Ser²⁶² peptide] and τ phosphorylated by a partially purified kinase, glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3β. Ab262 reacted poorly with a peptide having the sequence DRVQSKIGSLD (amino acids 348–358). Treatment of P-Ser²⁶² peptide or GSK 3β phosphorylated τ with alkaline phosphatase increased Ab262 immunoreactivity, indicating that Ab262 is a reagent useful for studying τ phosphorylation at the Ser²⁶² residue. The Ab262 immunoreactivity was detected in τ from normal brains and Alzheimer paired helical filament (PHF-τ) and in PHFs. Alkaline phosphatase treatment had no effect on the Ab262 immunoreactivity of normal τ and PHF-τ but altered the Tau-1 and PHF-1 immunoreactivities. τ proteins from rat brains at 3 and 8 h postmortem exhibited 5 and 19%, respectively, more Ab262 immunoreactivity than τ from fresh tissues. In comparison, rat τ at 8 h postmortem was 40% more immunoreactive with Tau-1. The results suggest that Ser²⁶² is not a major phosphorylation site in vivo. Moreover, there is little or no difference between PHF-τ and normal τ in the extent of phosphorylation at Ser²⁶².     

Probing the opioid receptor complex with (+)-trans-SUPERFIT. II. Evidence that mu ligands are noncompetitive inhibitors of the delta cx opioid peptide binding site.

Previous studies delineated two classes of δ binding sites; a δ binding site not associated with the opioid receptor complex, termed the δ_ncx site, and a δ site associated with the opioid receptor complex, termed the δ_cx site. The δ_ncx site has high affinity for [ -Pen², -Pen⁵]enkephalin, and is synonymous with what is now identified as the δ₁ binding site. Pretreatment of membranes with the δ-selective acylating agents FIT, or (+)-trans-SUPERFIT, deplete membranes of the δ_ncx binding site, which permits the selective labeling of the δ_cx binding site with [³H][ -Ala²,Leu⁵]enkephalin. The present study compared the properties of the δ_cx binding site present in brain membranes pretreated with (+)-trans-SUPERFIT with the properties of the δ_cx site present in untreated membranes. The major findings are: 1) pretreatment of membranes with (+)-trans-SUPERFIT decreased the IC₅₀ values of δ-preferring drugs, and increased the IC₅₀ values of μ-preferring drugs, for the δ_cx binding site; 2) the degree of δ selectivity was highly correlated with the magnitude of the (+)-trans-SUPERFIT-induced shift in the IC₅₀ values; 3) the ligand-selectivity patterns of the μ and δ_cx sites present in (+)-trans-SUPERFIT-pretreated membranes were poorly correlated; 4) whereas μ-preferring drugs were noncompetitive inhibitors of [³H][ -Ala²,Leu⁵]enkephalin binding to the δ_cx site, δ-preferring drugs were competitive inhibitors. Viewed collectively, these data support the hypothesis that the μ and δ_cx binding sites are distinct, provide additional evidence for δ receptor heterogeneity, and suggest that ( (+)-trans-SUPERFIT-pretreated membranes will provide a useful preparation for studying the δ_cx binding site.     

Specific receptors for adrenomedullin in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells

The effects of synthetic rat adrenomedullin (rAM), a novel vasorelaxant peptide originally isolated from human pheochromocytoma, on receptor binding and cAMP generation were studied in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). A binding study using [¹²⁵I]rAM revealed the presence of a single class of high-affinity (K_d1.3 × 10⁻⁸ M) binding sites for rAM in VSMC. The apparent K_i of rat calcitonin gene-related peptide (rCGRP) was 3 × 10⁻⁷ M. Affinity labeling of VSMC membranes with [¹²⁵I]rAM revealed two distinct labeled bands with apparent molecular weights of 120 and 70 kDa, both of which were abolished by excess unlabeled rAM or rCGRP. rAM stimulated cAMP formation with an approximate EC₅₀ of 10⁻⁸ M, the effect of which was additive with isoproterenol, but not with rCGRP. The rAM-induced cAMP response was unaffected by propranalol, indomethacin, or quinaerine, but inhibited by a CGRP receptor antagonist, human CGRP[8–37]. These data suggest that VSMC possesses specific AM receptors functionally coupled to adenylate cyclase with which CGRP interacts.