A quantitative autoradiographic study of 125I atrial natriuretic factor in the heart of a teleost fish (Conger conger).

Quantitative receptor autoradiographic study of 125I-atrial natriuretic peptide factor (ANF) in the heart of a teleost fish Conger conger has shown that a heterogenous distribution of 125I-ANF binding exists in the different cardiac regions. Elevated ANF binding densities (3,790 fmol/mg protein) were encountered in the innermost layer (tunica intima) of the bulbus arteriosus while lower binding levels (293-403 fmol/mg protein) were revealed in atrium and ventricle. In order to determine 125I-ANF binding characteristics (KD, Bmax) in the above cardiac sites, saturation binding assays were carried out. The results show that low 125I-ANF KD values (28.8-52.6 pM) were found in the atrium and in the bulbus arteriosus with respect to the higher KD values (373 pM) of the ventricle. The number of binding sites were respectively 632 and 1,279 fmol/mg protein for the atrium and the ventricle, while a substantially elevated Bmax of 7,235 fmol/mg protein was found for the bulbus arteriosus. These results may furnish some insights concerning ANF receptor binding activity and its putative regulatory role of different cardiac functions.     

Specific binding properties of 125I-apamin in various structures of the rat central nervous system

The properties of 125I-apamin binding with rat central nervous system slices were analysed in vitro using computerized densitometric autoradiography. Scatchard analysis performed for the data of binding experiments in rat brain and spinal cord demonstrates that apamin binds to a single class of non-interacting binding sites in all investigated structures. The dissociation constant values (KD) were similar in all investigated structures (31-38 pM). The maximal binding capacity (Bmax) was observed in the structures of limbic olfactory system (30 fmol/mg protein), the lowest in brain white matter (0.5 fmol/mg protein). It is concluded that the observed pattern of 125I-apamin binding might represent the topography of a class of Ca2+ dependent K+ channels in the rat central nervous system.     

Guanine Nucleotides Regulate 2-[125I]Iodomelatonin Binding Sites in Chick Retinal Pigment Epithelium but Not in Neuronal Retina

The characteristics of the binding sites labeled by the radioligand 2-[125I]iodomelatonin were compared in chicken neuronal retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Specific binding of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin in both sites was stable, saturable, reversible, and of high affinity. Scatchard analysis revealed an affinity constant (KD) of 446 +/- 55 pM and a total number of binding sites (Bmax) of 25.4 +/- 2.2 fmol/mg of protein for neuronal retina. For RPE the KD was 34.1 +/- 2.2 pM and the Bmax 59.5 +/- 5.2 fmol/mg of protein. Competition experiments with various melatonin analogues gave the following order of affinities: 2-iodomelatonin greater than 2-chloromelatonin greater than melatonin greater than 6-chloromelatonin greater than 6-hydroxymelatonin greater than N-acetylserotonin greater than 6-methoxyharmalan greater than 5-hydroxytryptamine. Linear regression of log Ki values from neuronal retina and RPE gave a highly significant correlation (r = 0.994, n = 8; p less than 0.001). GTP inhibited specific binding to RPE membranes in a concentration-dependent manner, but not in neuronal retinal membranes. The present results strongly suggest that a single type of melatonin receptor is found in neuronal retina and RPE, and that the site in RPE is coupled to a guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G protein), but that in neuronal retina is not.     

Iminodipropionitrile-Induced Dyskinesia in Mice: Striatal Calcium Channel Changes and Sensitivity to Calcium Channel Antagonists

Administration of 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) (1 g/kg, i.p. for 3 days) in mice leads to the development of a characteristic syndrome consisting of lateral and vertical head and neck movements, hyperactivity, random circling, increased locomotor activity, and increased startle response. Nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem (10 mg/kg) inhibited significantly the symptoms of IDPN-induced dyskinesia. However, there was no change in the affinity (KD) or the density of PN 200-110 binding sites (Bmax) in whole brains of IDPN-treated mice. Similarly, the K(+)-depolarization-dependent Ca2+ uptake in synaptosomes from whole brain, cortex, or striatum was not altered following IDPN treatment. However, IDPN caused a significant increase in the Bmax value (from 157 +/- 7 fmol/mg to 237 +/- 31 fmol/mg in control and treated groups, respectively) of PN 200-110 binding to the striatum without change of KD value (38 +/- 4.7 pM versus 33 +/- 1.6 pM). IDPN also caused a slight but significant decrease in the KD value (from 68 +/- 10.1 pM to 45 +/- 4.5 pM in control and treated groups, respectively), without significant change of Bmax value (563 +/- 51 fmol/mg versus 485 +/- 41 fmol/mg) of PN 200-110 binding to the cortex. IDPN did not alter omega-conotoxin binding in whole brain, striatum, or cortex. The behavioral effects of chronic IDPN treatment as inhibited by L-type calcium channel antagonists and this may be associated with the observed increase in striatal L-type calcium channels.     

Characterization of Receptors for Substance P in Human Astrocytoma Cells: Radioligand Binding and Inositol Phosphate Formation

UC11 cells, derived from a human astrocytoma, have a high density of functional substance P receptors. Radioligand binding studies were conducted with the highly selective neurokinin-1 receptor ligand [3H][Sar9,Met(O2)11]-substance P. Kinetic binding experiments conducted at 4 degrees C yielded an association rate constant k1 of 1.86 x 10(7) M-1 min-1, a dissociation rate constant k-1 of 0.00478 min-1, and a calculated kinetic KD of 257 pM. Saturation binding experiments yielded average values of KD = 447 +/- 103 pM, Bmax = 862 +/- 93 fmol/mg of protein. This Bmax corresponds to more than 150,000 binding sites/cell. Competition binding experiments with unlabeled [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-substance P yielded average values of KD = 491 +/- 48 pM and Bmax = 912 +/- 67 fmol/mg of protein. In [3H]inositol-labeled cells, substance P induced a robust inositol phosphate formation. Inositol trisphosphate levels increased as much as 20-fold within approximately 15 s of addition of substance P. This inositol trisphosphate formation was transient and had returned to baseline within the first 60-120 s. Inositol monophosphate formation, however, was linear for at least 2 h. Structure activity data on binding and inositol monophosphate formation confirmed the presence of a neurokinin-1 receptor subtype in these cells. Thus, the UC11 cell should be a useful model cell for delineating the physiological role of substance P receptors in astrocytes.     

Photoaffinity labeling of the K+-channel-associated apamin-binding molecule in smooth muscle, liver and heart membranes

High-affinity binding sites for mono[125I]iodoapamin were detected in membranes (Kd = 59 pM, Bmax = 24 fmol/mg protein) and cultured cells (Kd = 69 pM, Bmax = 2.8 fmol/mg protein) from rat heart and in membranes from guinea-pig ileum (Kd = 67 pM, Bmax 42 fmol/mg protein) and liver (Kd = 15 pM, Bmax = 43 fmol/mg protein). Binding was stimulated by K+ ions (K0.5 = 0.3-0.5 mM). Covalent labeling with arylazide [125I]iodoapamin derivatives showed that smooth muscle, liver and heart binding molecules are associated with a 85-87-kDa polypeptide. A second strongly labeled 57-kDa component was identified in liver membranes only.     

ACTH receptors in nervous tissue. High affinity binding-sequestration of [125I]Phe2,Nle4]ACTH 1-24 in homogenates and slices from rat brain

We have demonstrated specific, high affinity binding of a biologically active Tyr23-monoiodinated derivative of ACTH, [125I][Phe2,Nle4]ACTH 1-24, in rat brain homogenates. Similarly, in metabolically inhibited and noninhibited rat whole brain slices there is a specific "binding-sequestration" process that is dependent on time, protein concentration, and pH. In homogenates, binding curves were best described by a two-site model and provided the following parameters: Kd1 = 0.65 +/- 0.47 nM, Bmax1 = 21 +/- 41 fmol/mg protein; Kd2 = 97 +/- 48 nM, Bmax2 = 3.5 +/- 1.8 pmol/mg protein. In metabolically viable brain slices, concentration-competition curves of [125I][Phe2,Nle4]ACTH 1-24 binding-sequestration can be described by three components (Kd1 = 14 +/- 24 nM, Bmax1 = 50 +/- 95 fmol/mg protein; Kd2 = 2.4 +/- 1.9 microM, Bmax2 = 44 +/- 49 pmol/mg protein; Kd3 = 0.16 +/- 1.0 mM, Bmax3 = 5.3 +/- 54 nmol/mg protein). Metabolic inhibition, by removal of glucose and addition of 100 microM ouabain, abolishes the lowest affinity, highest capacity binding-sequestrian component only (Kd1 = 7.1 +/- 14 nM, Bmax1 = 8.7 +/- 16 fmol/mg protein; Kd2 = 7.4 +/- 4.49 microM, Bmax2 = 37 +/- 27 pmol/mg protein). The two binding-sequestration parameter estimates obtained from metabolically inhibited tissue slices are not significantly different from those of the two higher affinity components obtained with noninhibited tissue. Thus, metabolic inhibition permits demonstration of ACTH receptor binding only, unconfounded by sequestration or internalization of ligand:receptor complexes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Receptors for Arg8-vasopressin, angiotensin II, and atrial natriuretic peptide in the mesenteric vasculature of pregnant rats.

Blood pressure and sensitivity of blood vessels to vasoconstrictors are decreased in term-pregnant rats (20-21 days). To determine if changes in receptors for vasoactive peptides could account for these observations, receptor kinetics were measured for Arg8-vasopressin (AVP), angiotensin II (Ang II), and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in the mesenteric vascular bed of the rat throughout pregnancy. Receptors for AVP were statistically similar in the five groups of animals (nonpregnant; pregnant 9, 15, and 21 days; and postpartum). The dissociation constant (KD) for [3H]AVP varied from 0.41 to 0.52 nmol/L (NS), while receptor density (Bmax) varied from 310 +/- 110 to 455 +/- 135 fmol/mg protein for six experimental measurements. Similar observations were made for Ang II receptors where KD of 125I-labelled Sar1, Ile8-Ang II was between 0.60 and 0.97 nmol/L and Bmax between 215 +/- 30 and 250 +/- 40 fmol/mg protein in the different groups. 125I-labelled ANP (101-126) receptors were markedly modified in terms of number of sites. Bmax was significantly increased during pregnancy (9 days, 429 +/- 86; 15 days, 541 +/- 54; 20 days, 438 +/- 72) and decreased in the postpartum period (133 +/- 21) by comparison with the nonpregnant group (245 +/- 35 fmol/mg protein), while KD was similar in the different experimental groups (57 to 82 pmol/L). Despite these increases in receptor density, the vasorelaxant effects of ANP was only increased at 9 days of pregnancy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Down-regulation of mt1 melatonin receptors in rat ovary following estrogen exposure.

In this study, we have demonstrated that 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin binds specifically to rat ovarian granulosa cell (GC) membranes with high affinity (KD=83 pM; Bmax=3.28 fmol/mg protein). Using immunoblot analysis and an anti-mt1 melatonin receptor antibody, we have also detected mt1 melatonin receptors in rat ovary. Because melatonin has been reported to alter the steroidogenic responses of ovarian tissues to gonadotropins, a physiological role for intra-ovarian melatonin may exist. Thus, in order to investigate a possible intra-ovarian role for melatonin, we have used both an in vivo and in vitro model of follicular development. Treatment of immature (day 21) female rats with estradiol (E; 0.2 mg/d x 3 d; subcutaneous) was used to induce follicular growth. Membranes from both untreated (U) and E-treated animals' ovaries contained high-affinity 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin (I-MEL) binding sites (Kd=83 and 23 pM, respectively). Estradiol treatment in vivo caused a significant decrease (P<0.05) in binding of 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin to ovarian membranes with untreated animals' ovaries having a Bmax=3.28 fmol/mg protein vs. estradiol-treated animals' ovaries having a Bmax=0.92 fmol/mg protein. In addition, following Estradiol treatment, mt1 melatonin receptors in rat ovary were down-regulated (approximately 95%) using immunoblot analysis. Granulosa cells isolated from E-treated rats were further matured in vitro with testosterone (T) and the pituitary gonadotropin follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Granulosa cells were cultured with either T (10 ng/ml) or FSH (5.71 ng ovine FSH-20/ml) alone, or both FSH and T for 48 h. There was no statistically significant specific binding of 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin to GC membranes cultured with T or FSH alone. However, following a 48-h exposure to FSH and T in vitro specific 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin binding occurred with total 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin binding =3.15 [corrected] fmol/mg protein. Therefore, the existence of hormonally-regulated expression of high-affinity melatonin binding sites suggests that melatonin may have an important intra-ovarian physiological role.     

125I-labelled hCG binding characteristics in theca interna and other tissues from Romney ewes and from Booroola x Romney ewes with and without a major gene influencing their ovulation rate

Specific receptors for 125I-labelled hCG in ovarian follicle wall were located in the theca interna. No specific binding of 125I-labelled hCG was found in theca externa and/or stromal tissue. The kinetics of 125I-labelled hCG binding to theca interna followed second order kinetics with calculated association rate constants (ka +/- s.d.) of 1.57 +/- 0.16 X 10(6) and 0.57 +/- 0.02 X 10(6) litres mol-1 sec-1 at 37 degrees C and 22 degrees C respectively. Dissociation of specifically bound 125I-labelled hCG from theca interna was minimal at 37 degrees C and 22 degrees C. The binding of 125I-labelled hCG to theca interna could be displaced with PMSG, FSH-P and sheep LH but other sheep pituitary hormones and LH-releasing hormone showed little or no cross-reaction. The calculated binding capacities (Bmax) and equilibrium dissociation constants (Kd) for 125I-labelled hCG binding to theca interna did not differ between Romney ewes and Booroola x Romney ewes with and without the fecundity (F) gene on Day 10 of the oestrous cycle, during anoestrus or at 36 h after an injection of cloprostenol on Day 10 of the oestrous cycle. When the data for Day 10 and anoestrus were pooled, the median (range) Bmax and Kd values in non-atretic follicles (greater than or equal to 3 mm diameter) were 12.0 (5.1-23.5) fmol/mg protein and 0.10 (0.05-0.16) nM respectively. At 36 h after cloprostenol injection the respective median (range) Bmax and Kd values in non-atretic follicles (greater than or equal to 3 mm diam.) increased to 46.9 (28.4-70.3) fmol/mg protein and 0.23 (0.13-0.65) nM respectively. In corpora lutea the hCG binding characteristics were similar in all the above breeds/genotypes. On Day 10 of the cycle, the mean Bmax but not the mean Kd value was significantly higher (P less than 0.01) than the corresponding value at 36 h after cloprostenol injection. In granulosa cells, from follicles of greater than or equal to 5 mm diameter of Romney and Booroola x Romney (++) ewes and from follicles of greater than or equal to 3 mm diameter of Booroola x Romney (F+) ewes, the hCG binding characteristics were similar. In granulosa cells from smaller sized follicles from the above breeds/genotypes, no specific hCG binding was noted.     

Effects of chronic nicotine treatment on nicotinic receptors in the rabbit urinary bladder

Nicotine induced a phasic contraction in the rabbit urinary bladder. The response was abolished by hexamethonium and partially reduced by atropine and capsaicin. Simultaneous atropine and capsaicin treatment did not abolish the contraction. These findings suggest that the response to nicotine is due to acetylcholine, tachykinins, and unknown mediator release. In contrast, nicotine-induced contraction diminished following the chronic nicotine treatment without a change of its pharmacological properties. These results suggest the possibility that chronic nicotine treatment causes a decrease in nicotinic receptor numbers. Therefore, the binding properties of (-)-[3H]nicotine on rabbit urinary detrusor muscle membrane fractions were studied to evaluate the effects of chronic nicotine treatment on nicotinic receptors. Specific (-)-[3H]nicotine binding reached saturation and Scatchard plots were curvilinear, suggesting the existence of two different affinity sites for (-)-[3H]nicotine. Dissociation constants (KD) and maximum binding sites (Bmax) were KD1 = 4.91 +/- 1.88 nM, Bmax1 = 2.42 +/- 0.22 fmol/mg protein and KD2 = 263 +/- 56 nM, Bmax2 = 25.0 +/- 4.3 fmol/mg protein. In urinary bladder membrane fractions from chronic nicotine-treated rabbits, KD and Bmax values were KD1 = 3.96 +/- 0.38 nM, Bmax1 = 1.07 +/- 0.25 fmol/mg protein and KD2 = 249 +/- 12 nM, Bmax2 = 10.8 +/- 1.5 fmol/mg protein. Dissociation constants for both sites following chronic nicotine treatment did not change but maximum binding site numbers for both sites significantly decreased (p less than 0.05). These results suggest that the decrease in contractile response evoked by nicotine after chronic nicotine treatment in rabbit urinary bladder is due to a decrease in numbers of nicotinic receptors.     

Solubilization and Characterization of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Binding Site from Porcine Spinal Cord

The binding site for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was solubilized with 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfonate (CHAPS) in an active form from porcine spinal cord. 125I-labeled human alpha-CGRP (125I-CGRP) binding to the solubilized protein was determined by filtration using a GF/B glass filter. The maximal binding activity (approximately 60% of the crude membrane fraction) was obtained with 5 mM CHAPS. 125I-CGRP binding to the solubilized protein was of high affinity, saturability, and high specificity, having KD and Bmax values of 3.69 pM and 338 fmol/mg of protein, respectively. The binding activity was eluted in a single peak with a molecular mass of 400,000 daltons by gel filtration on TSK gel G4000SW. These results suggest that the solubilized protein may be responsible for the specific binding site.     

Binding of Brain and Atrial Natriuretic Peptides to Cultured Mouse Astrocytes and Effect on Cyclic GMP

125I-Porcine brain natriuretic peptide (125I-pBNP) bound to mouse astrocytes in primary culture in a time-dependent manner (t1/2 = 4.5 min), similar to 125I-human atrial natriuretic peptide (125I-hANP) (t1/2 = 5 min). Binding was saturable and reached equilibrium after 90 min at 22 degrees C for both radioligands. Scatchard analysis suggested a single class of binding sites for pBNP with a binding affinity and capacity (KD = 0.08 nM; Bmax = 78.3 fmol/mg of protein) similar to those of hANP1-28 (KD = 0.1 nM; Bmax = 90.3 fmol/mg of protein). In competition binding studies, pBNP or human/rat atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) analogues [hANP1-28, rat ANP1-28 (rANP1-28), and rANP5-28] displaced 125I-hANP, 125I-pBNP, and 125I-rANP1-28 completely, all with IC50 values of less than nM (0.14-0.83 nM). All four peptides maximally stimulated cyclic GMP (cGMP) production by 10 min at 22 degrees C at concentrations of 1 microM with EC50 values ranging from 50 to 100 nM. However, maximal cGMP induction by brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) (25.9 +/- 2.1 pmol/mg of protein) was significantly greater than that by hANP1-28 (11.5 +/- 2.2 pmol/mg of protein), rANP1-28 (16.5 +/- 2.0 pmol/mg of protein), and rANP5-28 (15.8 +/- 2.2 pmol/mg of protein). These studies indicate that BNP and ANPs act on the same binding sites and with similar affinities in cultured mouse astrocytes. BNP, however, exerts a greater effect on cGMP production. The difference in both affinity and selectivity between binding and cGMP production may indicate the existence of receptor subtypes that respond differentially to natriuretic peptides despite similar binding characteristics.     

Calcium channel binding in nerves and muscle of canine small intestine

Using [3H]-nitrendipine (Nit) and [125I]-omega conotoxin (w-CTX), the cellular and subcellular distribution of calcium channel subtypes in the homogenates of canine small intestinal circular muscle was studied. Nit. bound to the membranes from the circular smooth muscle cells (PM) and to the synaptosomal membranes from the deep muscular plexus (DMP); the Kd and Bmax values of Nit binding from these two sources were similar (Kd 0.4 +/- 0.16 nM and 0.77 +/- 0.24 nM; Bmax 206 +/- 22 and 192 +/- 39 fmol/mg of protein in DMP and PM respectively). w-CTX, however, bound only to the DMP (Kd 18.41 +/- 7.5 pM, Bmax 265 +/- 36 fmol/mg of protein). In DMP, nifedipine (10(-6) M) failed to interact with the binding of w-CTX; similarly, no modulation of Nit binding with unlabelled w-CTX (10(-7) M) could be detected. Therefore w-CTX and Nit binding sites represent two distinct, non-interactive and differentially distributed binding sites in canine small intestine.     

3-[(3-Cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-Propane Sulfonate-Solubilized Binding Sites for 2-[125I]Iodomelatonin in Chick Brain Retain Sensitivity to Guanine Nucleotides

Binding of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin to 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfonate (CHAPS)-solubilized sites from chick forebrain was rapid. reversible, saturable, of high affinity, and of pharmacological selectivity. Scatchard analyses showed that 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binds to a single site with equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) values of 328 +/- 22 (n = 4) and 302 +/- 26 pM (n = 3) and a maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) of 36.2 +/- 2.0 and 49.5 +/- 6.6 fmol/mg of protein in solubilized and membrane fractions, respectively. The KD values obtained from the ratio of kinetic constants (k2/k1) in solubilized and membrane preparations were 228 and 216 pM, respectively. Inhibition studies indicated the following order of pharmacological affinities for both membrane and solubilized sites: 2-iodomelatonin greater than melatonin greater than 6-chloromelatonin much greater than prazosin greater than N-acetylserotonin much greater than serotonin greater than metergoline greater than ketanserin greater than propranolol greater than phentolamine greater than cyproheptadine. Guanyl nucleotides inhibited binding of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin to solubilized and membrane fractions, by converting binding sites from a high-affinity to a low-affinity state. These findings show that solubilized binding sites for melatonin exhibit the specific binding and pharmacological characteristics present in membrane-bound sites. Moreover, the retention of sensitivity to guanine nucleotides in fractions solubilized with CHAPS suggests that this solubilization procedure is suitable for further studies aimed at the isolation, purification, and molecular characterization of active melatonin binding sites.     

Separate Binding and Functional Sites for ω co-Conotoxin and Nitrendipine Suggest Two Types of Calcium Channels in Bovine Chromaffin Cells

Purified adrenomedullary plasma membranes contain two high-affinity binding sites for 125I-omega-conotoxin, with KD values of 7.4 and 364 pM and Bmax values of 237 and 1,222 fmol/mg of protein, respectively. Dissociation kinetics showed a biphasic component and a high stability of the toxin-receptor complex, with a t1/2 of 81.6 h for the slow dissociation component. Unlabeled omega-conotoxin inhibited the binding of the radioiodinated toxin, adjusting to a two-site model with Ki1 of 6.8 and Ki2 of 653 pM. Specific binding was not affected by Ca2+ channel blockers or activators, cholinoceptor antagonists, adrenoceptor blockers, Na+ channel activators, dopaminoceptor blockers, or Na+/H+ antiport blockers, but divalent cations (Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+) inhibited the toxin binding in a concentration-dependent manner. The binding of the dihydropyridine [3H]nitrendipine defined a single specific binding site with a KD of 490 pM and a Bmax of 129 fmol/mg of protein. At 0.25 microM, omega-conotoxin was not able to block depolarization-evoked Ca2+ uptake into cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells depolarized with 59 mM K+ for 30 s, whereas under the same conditions, 1 microM nitrendipine inhibited uptake by approximately 60%. When cells were hyperpolarized with 1.2 mM K+ for 5 min and then Ca2+ uptake was subsequently measured during additions of 59 mM K+. Omega-conotoxin partially inhibited Ca2+ uptake in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that two different types of Ca2+ channels might be present in chromaffin cells. However, the molecular identity of omega-conotoxin binding sites remains to be determined.     

Identification and characterization of melatonin binding sites in the gastrointestinal tract of ducks.

Utilizing 2-[125I]iodomelatonin as the radioligand, melatonin binding sites were identified and characterized in the jejunum of ducks. These sites were found to be reversible, saturable, specific and exhibited high affinity for melatonin. Scatchard analyses have established the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) for tissues collected during mid-photophase to be 40.9 +/- 7 pM and the maximum quantity of binding sites (Bmax) to be 2.0 +/- 0.4 fmol/mg protein while Kd of samples collected during mid-scotophase was found to be 54.1 +/- 10 pM with a corresponding Bmax of 1.5 +/- 0.3 fmol/mg protein. These Kd values are in good proximity to the kinetically derived equilibrium dissociation constant of 47.3 +/- 20 pM. No significant difference in Kd or Bmax was detected between the mid-light and mid-dark samples. Pharmacological profile of these binding sites, developed by their interactions with other indoles and compounds, indicated that these binding sites are highly specific for melatonin. Subcellularly, different densities of binding sites were localized to various fractions in the following order: nuclear greater than microsomal greater than mitochondrial greater than cytosolic. These binding sites in the jejunum might be the receptors accountable for promoting paracrine activities for the locally synthesized gastrointestinal melatonin and/or responsible for eliciting hormonal actions via interactions with melatonin of pineal origin.     

The pituitary gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor of the female rabbit: characterization and developmental aspects.

The aim of the present study was to characterize the pituitary gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) binding site in the rabbit and investigate its possible role in sexual maturation of the female rabbit. A radioligand binding assay was established, and the presence of specific 125I-labelled D-Ala6-des-Gly10-GnRH ethylamide (125I-DAl6EA) binding sites in the anterior pituitary gland of the rabbit was demonstrated. 125I-DAla6EA binding was saturable, specific, displaceable, reversible, correlated with increasing tissue concentrations, and susceptible to physiological manipulation. 125I-DAla6EA binding indicated the presence of two binding sites in the female adult rabbit pituitary: a high affinity, low capacity site (KD = 0.3-0.4 nM; Bmax = 100-200 fmol/mg protein) and a lower affinity, high capacity site (KD = 30 nM; Bmax = 5-8000 fmol/mg protein). Ontogeny of 125I-DAl6EA binding in the female rabbit (40-120 days of age) did not show a correlation between binding site number and serum luteinizing hormone (LH). In addition, the net serum LH response in female rabbits to a subcutaneous injection of DAla6EA (10 ng, 100 ng, and 1 microgram per kilogram body weight) was not significantly different between animals 40, 75, and 120 days of age. This suggests that a decrease in pituitary responsiveness to GnRH is not associated with sexual maturation in the female rabbit. Results indicate that factors other than and (or) in addition to GnRH binding site number, such as postreceptor events, play a role in gonadotropin secretion in the female rabbit.     

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.     

Human placental calcitonin receptors.

Receptors for the hypocalcaemic hormone, calcitonin (CT), have been identified in a membrane fraction prepared from term human placentae. Binding of 125I-labelled salmon CT (125I-sCT) to the membranes was time- and temperature-dependent, saturable (Bmax. 58 +/- 11 fmol/mg of protein), of high affinity (Kd 80 +/- 21 pM) and poorly reversible. Species-specific CTs and CT analogues competed for 125I-sCT binding with potencies proportional to their known biological potencies. Various unrelated peptide hormones did not compete, indicating that receptor binding was specific for CT. Photoaffinity labelling using a derivatized biologically active sCT analogue, [Arg11,18,3-nitrophenylazide-Lys14]sCT, identified a receptor component of Mr approximately 85,000, comparable with findings in osteoclasts and other target cells. The presence of CT receptors in the human placenta supports other evidence that CT may have a role in the regulation of placental function.