Evidence for spatial proximity of two distinct receptor regions in the substance P (SP)*neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) complex obtained by photolabeling the NK-1R with p-benzoylphenylalanine3-SP

Substance P (SP) belongs to the tachykinin family of bioactive peptides and exerts its many biological effects through functional interaction with its cell-surface, G protein-coupled neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R). Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that (125)I-Bolton-Hunter reagent-labeled p-benzoylphenylalanine(8)-SP (Bpa(8)SP) covalently attaches to Met(181), whereas (125)I-Bolton-Hunter reagent-labeled Bpa(4)SP covalently attaches to Met(174), both of which are located on the second extracellular loop (EC2) of the NK-1R. In this study, evidence has been obtained that at equilibrium, the photoreactive SP analogue (125)I-[D-Tyr(0)]Bpa(3)SP covalently labels residues in two distinct extracellular regions of the NK-1R. One site of (125)I-[D-Tyr(0)]Bpa(3)SP photoinsertion is located on EC2 within a segment of the receptor extending from residues 173 to 177; a second site of (125)I-[D-Tyr(0)]Bpa(3)SP photoinsertion is located on the extracellular N terminus within a segment of the receptor extending from residues 11 to 21, a sequence that contains both potential sites for N-linked glycosylation. Since competition binding data presented in this study do not suggest the existence of multiple peptide.NK-1R complexes, it is reasonable to assume that the receptor sequences within EC2 and N terminus identified by peptide mapping are in close proximity in the equilibrium complex.     

Apparent molecular weight of substance P/neurokinin-1 receptors determined using a photoaffinity labelled probe, [(3'-125I) D-Tyro, (4'-N3)Phe8, Nle11]-substance P

A photoreactive derivative, [(3'-125I) D-Tyro, (4'-N3)Phe8, Nle11]-substance P (SP) was prepared and iodinated using carrier-free [125I] to determine the apparent molecular weight of one sub-type of neurokinin (NK) receptor, the SP/NK-1 type. The unlabelled analogue competed for [3H]-SP sites with an IC50 of 10 nM. The radioactive photoprobe (KD approximately 0.17 nM, Bmax = 15.6 fmol/mg protein) was used to photoaffinity label membranes prepared from rat brain. Autoradiographs revealed that a single band with an apparent molecular weight of 46,000 daltons was specifically labelled. This labelling was inhibited by non-radioactive SP in a concentration-dependent manner (1.0 nM-0.1 mM) suggesting that the observed labelling represents the SP/NK-1 receptor type.     

Involvement of the second extracellular loop (E2) of the neurokinin-1 receptor in the binding of substance P. Photoaffinity labeling and modeling studies

Substance P (SP) interacts with the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) G-protein-coupled receptor, which has been cloned in several species. In the present study, the domains of the NK-1 receptor involved in the binding of SP and SP-(7-11) C-terminal fragment have been analyzed using two peptide analogs containing the photoreactive amino acid para-benzoylphenylalanine ((p-Bz)Phe) in position 8 of their sequence. This study was carried out with [BAPA-Lys(6),(p-Bz)Phe(8),Pro(9),Met(O(2))(11)]SP-(7-11) and [BAPA(0),(p-Bz)Phe(8)]SP on both rat and human NK-1 receptors expressed in CHO cells. Combined trypsin and endo-GluC enzymatic complete digestions and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis led to the identification of the same domain of covalent interaction, (173)TMPSR(177), for the two photoactivatable peptides. Further digestion of this fragment with carboxypeptidase Y led to the identification of (173)TMP(175) in the second extracellular loop (E2) of the NK-1 receptor as the site of covalent attachment. Models of the conformation of this E2 loop in the human NK-1 receptor were generated using two different strategies, one based on homology with bovine rhodopsin and the other based on the solution conformation preferences of a synthetic peptide corresponding to the E2 loop.     

The two NK-1 binding sites are distinguished by one radiolabelled substance P analogue

Two non-stoichiometric binding sites had previously been characterized for the NK-1 receptor using two different types of radiolabelled analogues of substance P. However, the question remained on their eventual conformational interconversion induced or not by the ligand. In this study, kinetic, saturation, and competition studies using [3H]propionyl[Pro(9)]SP demonstrate the existence of two independent binding components in CHO cells transfected with the human NK-1 receptor, with K(d) values of 0.040 nM ( approximately 20% of total sites) and 5.9 nM ( approximately 80% of total sites) that correspond to those of the two previously described binding sites. These two binding sites do not seem to interconvert since the minor one can be selectively extinguished in saturation studies in the presence of a SP analogue specific of this binding site.     

The common C-terminal sequences of substance P and neurokinin A contact the same region of the NK-1 receptor

Although neurokinin A (NKA), a tachykinin peptide with sequence homology to substance P (SP), is a weak competitor of radiolabeled SP binding to the NK-1 receptor (NK-1R), more recent direct binding studies using radiolabeled NKA have demonstrated an unexpected high-affinity interaction with this receptor. To document the site of interaction between NKA and the NK-1R, we have used a photoreactive analogue of NKA containing p-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine (Bpa) substituted in position 7 of the peptide. Peptide mapping studies of the receptor photolabeled by (125)I-iodohistidyl(1)-Bpa(7)NKA have established that the site of photoinsertion is located within a segment of the receptor extending from residues 178 to 190 (VVCMIEWPEHPNR). We have previously shown that (125)I-BH-Bpa(8)SP, a photoreactive analogue of SP, covalently attaches to M(181) within this same receptor sequence. Importantly, both of these peptides ((125)I-iodohistidyl(1)-Bpa(7)NKA and (125)I-BH-Bpa(8)SP) have the photoreactive amino acid in an equivalent position within the conserved tachykinin carboxyl-terminal tail. In this report, we also show that site-directed mutagenesis of M(181) to A(181) in the NK-1R results in a complete loss of photolabeling of both peptides to this receptor site, indicating that the equivalent position of SP and NKA, when bound to the NK-1R, contact the same residue.     

1H-NMR studies of receptor-selective substance P analogues reveal distinct predominant conformations in DMSO-d6

Proton nmr parameters are reported for DMSO-d6 solutions of two receptor-selective substance P analogues: Ac[Arg6,Pro9]SP6-11, which is selective for the NK-1 (SP-P) receptor and [pGlu6,N-MePhe8]SP6-11, which selectively activates the NK-3 (SP-N) receptor. Full peak assignments of both analogues were obtained by COSY experiments. The chemical shifts, coupling constants, and temperature coefficients of amide proton chemical shifts as well as NOESY effects and calculated side-chain rotamer populations of Phe side chains are reported for both peptides. Analysis of coupling constants and temperature coefficients together with the nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy effects suggest that Ac[Arg6,Pro9]SP6-11 has a trans configuration about the Phe8-Pro9 amide bond and the preferred conformation of this analogue has a type I beta-turn. The nmr data for [pGlu6,N-MePhe8]SP6-11 suggest that this peptide exists as a mixture of cis-trans isomers in which the cis isomer can preferably adopt a type VI beta-turn conformation, and the trans isomer can adopt a gamma-turn conformation. There are indications that the two last turns are stabilized by a hydrogen bond between the syn carboxamide proton and the pGlu ring carbonyl.     

Calpha methylation in molecular recognition. Application to substance P and the two neurokinin-1 receptor binding sites.

Two binding sites NK-1M (major, more abundant) and NK-1m (minor) are associated with the neurokinin-1 receptor. For the first time with a bioactive peptide, the Calpha methylation constraint, shown to be a helix stabiliser in model peptides, was systematically used to probe the molecular requirements of NK-1M and NK-1m binding sites and the previously postulated bioactive helical conformation of substance P (SP). Seven Calpha methylated analogues of the undecapeptide SP (from position 5-11) have been assayed for their affinities and their potencies to stimulate second messenger production. The consequences of Calpha methylation on the structure of SP have been analysed by circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance combined with restrained molecular dynamics. The decreased potencies of six out of these seven Calpha methylated SP analogues do not allow the identification of any clear-cut differences in the structural requirements between the two binding sites. Strikingly, the most active analogue, [alphaMeMet5]SP, leads to variable subnanomolar affinity and potency when interacting with the NK-1m binding site. The conformational analyses show that the structural consequences associated with Calpha methylation of SP are sequence dependent. Moreover, a single Calpha methylation is not sufficient by itself to drastically stabilize a helical structure even pre-existing in solution, except when Gly9 is substituted by an alpha-aminoisobutyric acid. Furthermore, Calpha methylation of residues 5 and 6 of SP in the middle of the postulated helix does not stabilize, but decreases (to different extents) the stability of the helical structure previously observed in the 4-8 domain of other potent SP analogues.     

Characterization and photoaffinity labeling of a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor solubilized from human cerebellum.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors were solubilized from human (h) cerebellum with use of the zwitterionic detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonic acid (CHAPS). Scatchard analysis of equilibrium binding data indicated that the soluble extract contained a single class of CGRP binding sites with apparent dissociation constants of 50 pM for the intact 125I-hCGRP-I(1-37) and 160 pM for the antagonist 125I-hCGRP-I(8-37). Unlabeled hCGRP-I and -II and hCGRP-I(8-37) displaced 125I-hCGRP-I from solubilized CGRP receptors with similar potencies (ID50 = 70-150 pM). Human CGRP-I(15-37), -(21-37), and -(28-37) were less potent (ID50 greater than or equal to 70 nM), suggesting that amino acid residues 8-14 may be important for maintaining high binding affinity. A novel photoreactive analogue of hCGRP-I, 125I-[C gamma-(4-azidoanilino)Asp3] hCGRP-I, was prepared by carbodiimide coupling of 4-azidoaniline to 125I-hCGRP-I. Photoaffinity labeling of soluble CGRP receptors with the photoreactive analogue and analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography revealed three specifically labeled binding proteins with apparent molecular weights (Mr) of 60,000, 54,000, and 17,000. Cross-linking of 125I-hCGRP-I and -II and 125I-hCGRP-I(8-37) to soluble CGRP binding sites using disuccinimidyl suberate revealed three specifically labeled binding proteins with the same Mr. The C-terminal fragment 125I-hCGRP-I(8-37), unlike the intact peptide, was, furthermore, cross-linked specifically to a 95,000 Mr protein. The CGRP receptor is N-glycosylated. Treatment with endoglycosidase F/N-glycosidase F converted the 60,000 and 54,000 to 46,000 and 41,000 Mr components.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Reduced peptide bond pseudopeptide analogues of substance P. A new class of substance P receptor antagonists with enhanced specificity

Each of the last 6 peptide bonds in the COOH terminus of [Leu11]substance P [( Leu11]SP) and [Nle11]spantide were replaced with [CH2NH], and each analogue was tested for SP agonist or antagonist activity by determining its ability to interact with SP receptors on dispersed acini from guinea pig pancreas. Each of the 6 spantide and 5 of the 6 SP analogues had no agonist activity, whereas [psi 9-10]SP was an agonist. For the spantide pseudopeptides, the psi 10-11 analogue (Ki,2.8 microM) was equipotent as an antagonist to spantide itself, whereas the psi 9-10, psi 8-9, psi 7-8, and psi 6-7 analogues were 2.5, 7, 5, and 3 times less potent. For the SP pseudopeptides, the psi 10-11 analogue was the most potent antagonist (Ki, 6.2 microM), whereas the psi 8-9, psi 7-8, and psi 6-7 analogues were 7-, 36-, and 39-fold less potent. There was a close correlation between the ability of each pseudopeptide to inhibit binding of 125I-Bolton-Hunter-SP and to affect amylase secretion. [psi 10-11]SP inhibited SP-stimulated amylase release in a competitive manner, and its inhibitory ability was specific for the SP receptor. Despite [psi 10-11]SP, spantide, and [psi 10-11]spantide having similar affinities for the SP receptor (Ki, 2-6 microM), for inhibition of binding of 125I-[Tyr4]bombesin, the analogues differed with [psi 10-11]SP having a 50-fold lower affinity than for the SP receptor, whereas [psi 10-11]spantide had a 4-fold lower affinity and spantide a 1.5-fold lower affinity for the SP receptor. These results demonstrate that SP pseudopeptides represent a new class of SP receptor antagonists and, in contrast to the currently described SP receptor antagonists, are more specific for SP receptors.     

A new tachykinin receptor revealed by substance P analogues in the guinea pig ileum]

[Pro9]SP and septide have been described as selective agonists for the SP receptor (NK-1 type). These two peptides contract with a great efficacy the guinea-pig ileum, but unexpectedly septide was practically devoid of affinity for the NK-1 site labelled by 3H-[Pro9]SP. Like septide, SP analogues like SP-O-CH3, [Apa9-10]SP and [Pro9,10]SP share the same peculiar properties. In addition, the contracting activity of these peptides is not explained by an interaction with NK-2 or NK-3 sites. GR 71,251, a compound which has been described as NK-1 antagonist, was more potent in inhibiting the septide- and the [Apa9-10]SP- than the [Pro9]SP-evoked contracting responses. Altogether, these results suggest that septide, SP-O-CH3, [Apa9-10]SP and [Pro9,10]SP exert their high contracting activity in the guinea-pig ileum by acting on a new type of tachykinin receptor.     

Incorporation of vinylogous scaffolds in the C-terminal tripeptide of substance P.

Glycine-9 and leucine-10 of substance P (SP) are critical for (NK)-1 receptor recognition and agonist activity. Propsi(Z)-CH=CH(CH3)-CONH)Leu (or Met) and Propsi((E)-CH=CH(CH3)-CONH)Leu (or Met) have been introduced in the sequence of SP, in order to restrict the conformational flexibility of the C-terminal tripeptide, Gly-Leu-Met-NH2, of SP. Propsi((Z)-CH=C(CH2CH(CH3)2)-CONH)Met-NH2, with an isobutyl substituent to mimic the Leu side-chain, was also incorporated in place of the C-terminal tripeptide. The substituted-SP analogs were tested for their affinity to human NK-1 receptor specific binding sites (NK-1M and NK-1m) and their potency to stimulate adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C in Chinese Hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with the human NK-1 receptor. The most potent SP analogs [Pro9psi((Z)CH=C(CH3)CONH)Leu10]SP and [Pro9psi ((E)CH=C(CH3)CONH)Leu10]SP, are about 100-fold less potent than SP on both binding sites and second messenger pathways. These vinylogous (Z)- or (E)-CH=C(CH3)- or (Z)-CH=C(CH2CH(CH3)2) moieties hamper the correct positioning of the C-terminal tripeptide of SP within both the NK-1M- and NK-1m-specific binding sites. The origin of these lower potencies is related either to an incorrect peptidic backbone conformation and/or an unfavorable receptor interaction of the methyl or isobutyl group.     

Internalization of [3H]substance P analogues in NK-1 receptor transfected CHO cells

The internalization of [3H]propionyl[Met(O2)11]SP(7-11) which binds one binding site and of [3H][Pro9]SP which binds the two binding sites associated with the NK-1 receptor has been examined in CHO cells. The quantity of [3H][Pro9]SP measured inside the cytoplasm in kinetic experiments is fully temperature-dependent. In contrast, [3H]propionyl[Met(O2)11]SP(7-11) internalization reaches the same extent whatever the temperature, although the rate slowed down with lower temperature. The extent of internalization of [3H][Pro(9)]SP relative to the total specific bound is biphasic, when the extent of internalization of [3H]propionyl[Met(O2)11]SP(7-11) remains constant. For [3H][Pro9]SP, a high-affinity high-yield component inhibited in the presence of propionyl[Met(O2)11]SP(7-11) and a low-affinity low-yield component in the internalization process could be determined. Saturation studies show that [3H][Pro9]SP-binding parameters are insensitive to both phenylarsine oxide and monensin treatment, whereas [3H]propionyl[Met(O2)11]SP(7-11) maximal binding is decreased in both cases. Altogether, these data suggest that the two radiolabeled peptides should not follow the same internalization pathway.     

Met174 side chain is the site of photoinsertion of a substance P competitive peptide antagonist photoreactive in position 8

Numerous photoaffinity studies of the NK-1 receptor have been carried out with peptide agonist analogues of substance P (SP). However, no information is available with regard to the domain interaction of peptide antagonists within this receptor. We describe herein the photoaffinity labelling of the SP receptor with a peptide antagonist analogue, Bapa(0)[(pBzl)Phe(8),DPro(9),MePhe(10),Trp(CHO)(11)]SP. Photolabelling, enzymatic or chemical cleavage of the covalent complex, purification via streptavidin-coated beads and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry analysis led us to show that the methyl of Met174 side chain, within the receptor's second extracellular loop, is covalently linked to the antagonist photoreactive at position 8.     

The two NK-1 binding sites correspond to distinct, independent, and non-interconvertible receptor conformational states as confirmed by plasmon-waveguide resonance spectroscopy

Two nonstoichiometric ligand binding sites have been previously reported for the NK-1 receptor, with the use of classical methods (radioligand binding and second messenger assays). The most populated (major, NK-1M) binding site binds substance P (SP) and is related to the adenylyl cyclase pathway. The less populated (minor, NK-1m) binding site binds substance P, C-terminal hexa- and heptapeptide analogues of SP, and the NK-2 endogenous ligand, neurokinin A, and is coupled to the phospholipase C pathway. Here, we have examined these two binding sites with plasmon-waveguide resonance (PWR) spectroscopy that allows the thermodynamics and kinetics of ligand-receptor binding processes and the accompanying structural changes of the receptor to be monitored, through measurements of the anisotropic optical properties of lipid bilayers into which the receptor is incorporated. The binding of the three peptides, substance P, neurokinin A, and propionyl[Met(O(2))(11)]SP(7-11), to the partially purified NK-1 receptor has been analyzed by this method. Substance P and neurokinin A bind to the reconstituted receptor in a biphasic manner with two affinities (K(d1) = 0.14 +/- 0.02 nM and K(d2) = 1.4 +/- 0.18 nM, and K(d1) = 5.5 +/- 0.7 nM and K(d2) = 620 +/- 117 nM, respectively), whereas only one binding affinity (K(d) = 5.5 +/- 0.4 nM) could be observed for propionyl[Met(O(2))(11)]SP(7-11). Moreover, binding experiments in which one ligand was added after another one has been bound to the receptor have shown that the binding of these ligands to each binding site was unaffected by the fact that the other site was already occupied. These data strongly suggest that these two binding sites are independent and non-interconvertible on the time scale of these experiments (1-2 h).     

Analogs of Substance P modified at the C-terminus which are both agonist and antagonist of the NK-1 receptor depending on the second messenger pathway.

The initial goal of this study was to analyze, using photolabeling, the interactions between Substance P and its tachykinin NK-1 receptor. Therefore, the photoreactive amino acid para-benzoyl-phenylalanine (pBzl)Phe was incorporated into the Substance P sequence from position 4 to 11 leading to Bapa0[(pBzl)Phex]SP analogs. Biotinyl sulfone-5-aminopentanoic acid (Bapa) was introduced in order to purify the covalent complex. These photoreactive SP analogs were first assayed for their affinity for the two binding sites associated with the NK-1 receptor, as well as for their potency in activating the phospholipase C and adenylate cyclase pathways. All analogs photoreactive from position 4 to 11 have moderate to high affinity for the two NK-1 receptor-binding sites, except for the analog modified at position 7. This affinity could be correlated to their potency to activate the phospholipase C and adenylate cyclase pathways, except for the analog photoreactive at position 11. Bapa0[(pBzl)Phe11]SP was found to be an agonist in the phospholipase C pathway and an antagonist in the adenylate cyclase pathway, other analogs modified at position 11 were therefore analyzed. Among these, Bapa0[Pro9, (pBzl)Hcy(O2)11]SP is a partial agonist, whereas Bapa0[Hcy(ethylaminodansyl)11]SP is a full agonist in the phospholipase C pathway, the two analogs being antagonist in the adenylate cyclase pathway. These results show that analogs of SP can be simultaneously agonist at one binding site and antagonist at the other binding site associated with the NK-1 receptor.     

Binding characteristics and affinity labeling of protein constituents of the human IM-9 lymphoblast receptor for substance P

The neuropeptide substance P (SP) stimulates human T-lymphocyte function in vitro. Human blood T-lymphocytes and cultured human IM-9 B-lymphoblasts express 7,000-10,000 and 25,000-30,000 substance P receptors per cell, respectively. The specific binding of 125I-SP is retained in IM-9 lymphoblast membranes solubilized in 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonic acid (CHAPS) at a detergent-to-protein ratio of 1.0. In addition, specific and reversible SP binding to soluble IM-9 cell membrane proteins is demonstrated by gel filtration. The saturation of binding of 125I-SP to both intact and solubilized IM-9 cell membranes attained a steady state after 40-50 min at 4 degrees C. Scatchard analysis of the concentration dependence of 125I-SP binding to IM-9 cell membranes revealed a KD of 0.87 +/- 0.8 nM (mean +/- S.D., n = 4), which is similar to that observed in intact cells, and a density of receptors of 21 +/- 3 fmol/mg of membrane protein (mean +/- S.D.). Binding of 125I-SP to solubilized membranes demonstrated a KD of 0.75 +/- 0.33 nM (mean +/- S.D., n = 3) and a density of receptors of 3.7 +/- 1.5 fmol/mg of membrane protein (mean +/- S.D., n = 3). Affinity cross-linking of 125I-SP by disuccinimidyl suberate to intact IM-9 cells and membranes revealed specifically labeled proteins of Mr 58,000 and 33,000 in cells, and 58,000, 33,000, and 16,000 in membranes by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under both reducing and nonreducing conditions. Competitive effects of substituent peptides of SP on cross-linking and 125I-SP binding to membranes demonstrated that the SP receptor recognized the carboxyl-terminal domain of the peptide. Membranes from cells preincubated in vitro for 12 h at 37 degrees C with 10(-8) M SP demonstrated a decrease in SP receptor density to 13 +/- 2 fmol/mg (mean +/- S.D., n = 2), and a parallel diminution in the specific labeling of membrane proteins of Mr 58,000 and 33,000. These observations suggest that solubilization in CHAPS preserves the binding characteristics of the IM-9 lymphoblast receptor for SP, and that affinity cross-linking techniques identify by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis membrane proteins that are specifically labeled by SP.     

Endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 differentially interact with specific binding sites for substance P (SP) aminoterminal SP1-7 in the rat spinal cord

Endomorphin-1 (EM-1) and endomorphin-2 (EM-2) represent two opioid active tetrapeptides with high affinity and selectivity for the mu-opioid (MOP) receptor. Both EM-1 and EM-2 exhibit strong inhibition of pain signals in the central nervous system (CNS). In contrast to these compounds, the undecapeptide substance P (SP) facilitates pain influx in the CNS. SP has been implicated in a number of functions in the central nervous system, including pain processing and reward. Its aminoterminal fragment SP1-7 has been shown to modulate several actions of SP in the CNS, the nociceptive effect included. Although the actions of SP1-7 have been known for long no specific receptor for the SP fragment has yet been cloned. In this study, we demonstrate the presence of specific binding sites for the heptapeptide in the rat spinal cord. The binding affinity for unlabeled SP1-7 to the specific sites for the labeled heptapeptide highly exceeded those of SP and other C- or N-terminal fragments thereof. The NK-1, NK-2 and NK-3 receptor ligands [Sar9, Met(O2)11]SP, R396 and senktide, respectively, showed no or negligible binding. Moreover, both EM-1 and EM-2 were found to interact with SP1-7 binding. However, a significant difference in binding affinity between the two opioid active tetrapeptides was observed. As recorded from replacement curves the affinity of EM-2 was 10 times weaker than that for SP1-7 but about 100 times higher than that of EM-1. Among other Tyr-Pro-containing peptides Tyr-MIF-1 but not Tyr-W-MIF-1 exhibited affinity of similar potency as EM-2. These results strengthen the previously observed differences between EM-1 and EM-2 in various functional studies. Moreover, using a cell line (C6) expressing the MOP receptor it was shown that the labeled SP1-7 did not interact with binding to this receptor and no functional response was seen for the SP heptapeptide on the MOP receptor by means of stimulation in the GTPgammaS assay. This suggests that the identified SP1-7 binding sites, with high affinity also for EM-2, are not identical to the MOP receptor and apparently not to any of the known tachykinin receptors.     

Characterization of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptors in mammalian lung

125I-VIP bound specifically to sites on human, rat, guinea pig, and rabbit lung membranes with a dissociation constant (KD) of 60-200 pM and binding site maxima of 200-800 fmol/mg of protein. The presence of a second lower affinity site was detected but not investigated further. High affinity 125I-VIP binding was reversible and displaced by structurally related peptides with an order of potency: VIP greater than rGRF greater than PHI greater than hGRF greater than secretin = Ac Tyr1 D Phe2 GRF. 125I-VIP has been covalently incorporated into lung membranes using disuccinimidyl suberate. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis of labeled human, rat, and rabbit lung membranes revealed major 125I-VIP-receptor complexes of: Mr = 65,000, 56,000, and 64,000 daltons, respectively. Guinea pig lung membranes exhibited two 125I-VIP-receptor complexes of Mr = 66,000 and 60,000 daltons. This labeling pattern probably reflects the presence of differentially glycosylated forms of the same receptor since treatment with neuroaminidase resulted in a single homogeneous band (Mr = 57,000 daltons). Soluble covalently labeled VIP receptors from guinea pig and human lung bound to and were specifically eluted from agarose-linked wheat germ agglutinin columns. Our studies indicate that mammalian lung VIP receptors are glycoproteins containing terminal sialic acid residues.     

Solubilization and characterization of guinea-pig pancreatic somatostatin receptors

The solubilization of somatostatin receptors from guinea-pig pancreas by different non-denaturing detergents was investigated after stabilization of the receptors by prior binding of 125I-[Tyr11]somatostatin or its analogue 125I-[Leu8,DTrp22,Tyr25]somatostatin 28, to pancreatic plasma membranes. The somatostatin-receptor complexes were solubilized in a high yield by Zwittergent 3-14 (3-[tetradecyldimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate), a zwitterionic detergent. Other detergents, digitonin, Triton X-100, Chaps (3-[cholamidopropyldimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate) and octyl beta-D-glycopyranoside, achieved only partial solubilization. The recovery of receptor complexes was increased by glycerol. In order to characterize solubilized somatostatin-receptor complexes, membranes receptors were covalently labelled using N-5-azido-2-nitrobenzoyloxysuccinimide as cross-linking reagent before solubilization. Gel filtration chromatography analysis resulted in the identification of a major protein component of apparent Mr = 93,000 which interacted with the two radioligands. In addition, a similar component of Mr = 88,000 was characterized after analysis by SDS-PAGE of membrane receptors covalently cross-linked with 125I-[Leu8,DTrp22,Tyr25]somatostatin 28 by different heterobifunctional reagents: N-5-azido-2-nitrobenzoyloxysuccinimide, N-hydroxysuccinimidyl 4-azidobenzoate, N-succinimidyl 6-(4'-azido-2'-nitrophenylamino)hexanoate. Optimal cross-linking results were obtained with N-5-azido-2-nitrobenzoyloxysuccinimide. The solubilized somatostatin-receptor complex was adsorbed to wheat-germ agglutinin-agarose column and eluted by specific sugars. We concluded that the guinea-pig pancreatic somatostatin receptor in the membrane and in the non-denaturing detergent solution behaves as a protein monomer of apparent Mr approximately 85,000-90,000. The somatostatin receptor is a glycoprotein which contains complex-type carbohydrate chains.     

Selective agonists for receptors of substance P and related neurokinins

Neurokinins and their receptors are a complex system consisting of at least three endogenous agents--substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA), and neurokinin B (NKB)--and their corresponding receptor types, respectively, NK-1, NK-2, and NK-3. Investigations on receptors have been made using sensitive and fairly selective pharmacological preparations (the dog carotid artery for the NK-1, the rabbit pulmonary artery devoid of endothelium for the NK-2, and the rat portal vein for the NK-3 receptor), and some natural peptides of mammalian and nonmammalian origin. Because of the nonselectivity of the natural peptides, analogues of the neurokinins have been found that act on one receptor only and show therefore high selectivity. The selective agonists [Sar9,Met(O2)11]SP, [Nle10]NKA (4-10), and [MePhe7]-NKB have been used successfully for (a) characterizing the three neurokinin receptors, (b) identifying isolated organs whose responses to neurokinins depend on the activation of a single (monoreceptor systems) or of more than one (multireceptor systems) receptor, and (c) elucidating some of the physiological function of the three receptor types. It is suggested that NK-1 mediate peripheral vasodilatation and exocrine secretions, NK-2 stimulate bronchial muscles and facilitate the release of catecholamines, and NK-3 promote the release of acetylcholine in peripheral organs.