3H] norepinephrine binding by rat glial cells in culture. Lack of correlation between binding and adenylate cyclase activation.

Subcellular fractions prepared from rat glial cells in culture (clonal line c6) were used in an attempt to characterize the adrenergic receptor involved in adenylate cyclase activation. Both [3H] norepinephrine binding and enzyme activation were measured under identical experimental conditions. Binding sites for norepinephrine could be detected; their main characteristics were: apparant Km: 4 - 10-6 M, macimal capacity: 20 pmol/mg protein.Their stereospecificity towards structually related drugs was found to be different from the stereospecificity of the receptor involved in adenylate cyclase activation. Thus, 3-methoxydopamine (a competitive inhibitor of norepinephrine for adenylate cyclase activation), phenylephrine (a partial adrennergic agonist) and the blocking agent propranolol were unable to compete with [3H] norepinephrine for binding. On the other hand, several molecules like dopa bearing a catechol group and which are unable to interact with the adenylate cyclase as agonists or competitive inhibitors strongly inhibited [3H] norepinephrine binding. As in several other systems so far studied, the presence on the glial cell's membrane of a large number of "catechol-binding sites" makes it difficult to characterize the beta-adrenergic receptor.     

In vitro characterization of skeletal muscle β-adrenergic receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase

[³H]Dihydroalprenolol, a potent ß-adrenergic antagonist, was used to identify the adenylate cyclase-coupled ß-adrenoceptors in isolated membranes of rat skeletal muscle. The receptor sites, as revealed [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding, were predominantly localized in plasmalemmal fraction. That skeletal muscle fraction may also contain the plasmalemma of other intramuscular cells, especially that of blood vessels. Hence, the [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding observed in that fraction may be due partly to its binding to the plasmalemma of blood vessels. Small but consistent binding was also observed in sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. The level of [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding in different subcellular fractions closely correlated with the level of adenylate cyclase present in those fractions.The binding of [³H]dihydroalprenolol to plasmalemma exhibited saturation kinetics. The binding was rapid, reaching equilibrium within 5 min, and it was readily dissociable. From the kinetics of binding, association (K₁) and dissociation (K₂) rate constants of 2.21 · M^? · min^?1 and 3.21 · 10^?1, respectively, were obtained. The dissociation constant (K_d) of 15 nM for [³H]dihydroalprenolol obtained from saturation binding data closely agreed with the (K_d) derived from the ratio of dissociation and association rate constants (K₂/K₁).Several β-adrenergic agents known to be active on intact skeletal muscle also competed for [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding sites in isolated plasmalemma with essentially similar selectivity and stereospecificity. Catecholamines competed for [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding sites with a potency of isoproterenol > epinephrine > norepinephrine. A similar order of potency was noted for catecholamines in the activation of adenylate cyclase. Effects of catecholamines were stereospecific, (?)-isomers being more than potent than (+)-isomers. Phenylephrine, an α-adrenergic agonist, showed no effect either on [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding or on adenylate cyclase. Known ß-adrenergic antagonists, propranolol and alprenolol, stereospecifically inhibited the [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding and the isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase. The (K_i) values for the antagonists determined from inhibition of [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding agreed closely with the (K_i) values obtained from the inhibition of adenylate cyclase. The data suggest that the binding of [³H]dihydroalprenolol in skeletal muscle membranes possess the characteristics of a substance binding to the ß-adrenergic receptor.     

Effects of neuroleptics on 3H-haloperidol and 3H-cis(Z)-flupenthixol binding and on adenylate cyclase activity in vitro.

The subcellular localization of dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase was studied in rat brain striatum and compared to the distribution of dopamine binding sites. The highest specific activity of adenylate cyclase activities sensitive to dopamine was associated almost exclusively with synaptic membranes (mithchondrial fraction; P₂). Using [³H] haloperidol and [³H] apomorphine as markers for the dopamine receptor, specific binding was observed in both the mitochondrial (P₂) and microsomal (P₃) fractions. Data for the mitochondrial fraction revealed a heterogeneity of binding sites. Two saturable sites for [³H] haloperidol were observed with K_d values of 2.5nM and 12.5nM respectively. Overall, the localization of multiple binding sites in the crude synaptosomal fraction correlates well with the localization of dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase in this fraction.     

Multiple dopamine binding sites: subcellular localization and biochemical characterization.

Abstract— The biochemical and pharmacological characteristics of dopamine agonist and antagonist binding to rat striatal subcellular fractions were studied and compared to the localization of dopamine–sensitive adenylate cyclase activity. The highest specific activity of adenylate cyclase sensitive to dopamine was associated almost exclusively with the crude synaptic membrane fraction (P₂). Using [³H]-haloperidol, [³H]apomorphine and [³H]spiroperidol as markers for the dopamine receptor, high affinity and stereoselective specific binding was observed for the crude synaptic fraction and the microsomal fraction (P₃). Analysis of the binding of [³H]haloperidol to the striatal microsomal preparation revealed a homogeneous receptor site with a K_d value of 3.0 nm . The data for [³H]haloperidol binding to the crude synaptosomal fraction showed two saturable binding sites with K_d values of 2.5 nm and 12.5 nm . A similar heterogeneous binding profile was observed in the P₂ fraction using [³H]apomorphine. The K_d values for [³H]apomorphine in this fraction were determined to be 1.2 nm and 7.2 nm . The effects of various biochemical parameters including ionic strength, salt concentration and pH on the binding of [³H]haloperidol to the P₂ fraction were also studied. Overall, these data show that the subcellular localization of multiple binding sites in the crude synaptosomal fraction and the identification of specific binding to purified synaptosomes correlate with the subcellular distribution of striatal dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity.     

Characteristics of high-affinity [3H]adenosine binding to rat brain synaptosomes and turkey erythrocyte membranes

High affinity binding sites for [³H]adenosine in rat brain and in turkey erythrocytes can be identified by binding experiments. Displacement experiments using a number of adenosine analogs indicate that these high affinity sites do not represent the R-type adenosine receptors which mediate activation of adenylate cyclase, although the binding is theophylline sensitive. Similarly, the binding of [³H]adenosine is not to the P-site, which mediates inhibition of adenylate cyclase, since the high affinity binding persists in the presence of 2′,5′-dideoxyadenosine. Furthermore, these results remain qualitatively similar also in the presence of dipyridamole which blocks adenosine transport sites. We conclude that theophylline sensitivity does not indicate that [³H]adenosine binding sites correspond to adenosine receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase.     

Catecholamine and guanine nucleotide activation of skeletal muscle adenylate cyclase

Activation of adenylate cyclase by guanine nucleotide and catecholamines was examined in plasma membranes prepared from rabbit skeletal muscle. The GTP analog, 5′-guanylyl imidodiphosphate caused a time and temperature-dependent activation of the enzyme which was persistent, the K_a was 0.05 μM. 5′-Guanylyl imidodiphosphate binding to the membranes was time and temperature dependent, K_D 0.07 μM. Beta adrenergic amines accelerated the rate of 5′-guanylyl imidodiphosphate activation of the enzyme with an order of potency isoproterenol ≈ soterenol ≈ salbutamol > epinephrine ? norepinephrine. Catecholamine activation was antagonized by propranolol and the β₂ antagonist butoxamine; the β₁ antagonist practolol was inactive. [³H]Dihydroalprenolol bound to the membranes and binding was antagonized by β adrenergic agonists with an order of potency similar to the activation of adenylate cyclase and was antagonized by butoxamine but not by practolol. The data are consistent with the idea that adenylate cyclase in skeletal muscle plasma membranes is coupled to adrenergic receptors of the β₂ type.     

[3H]Clonidine binding to rat hippocampal membranes

Alpha adrenergic receptor subtypes in rat hippocampal membranes were studied, using [³H]clonidine as the radioactive ligand. On the basis of competitive binding studies, using the selective antagonist-prazosin, WB-4101, and yohimbine, [³H] clonidine appeared to bind to a population of presynaptic sites that are pharmacologically similar to receptors previously classified as alpha₂. A computerized model that linearized and produced the best possible fit to the experimental data points indicated that [³H]clonidine binds to a single population of receptors possessing equal affinity for the ligand. Binding data also indicated that rat hippocampus contains significantly fewer [³H]clonidine binding sites than rat cortex.     

Stereospecific (3H)(minus)-alprenolol binding sites, beta-adrenergic receptors and adenylate cyclase

The binding of [³H](?)-alprenolol (a potent β-adrenergic antagonist) to sites in frog erythrocyte membranes has been studied by a centrifugal assay. The specificity of the binding sites is strikingly similar to what might be expected of the β-adrenergic receptor binding sites which mediate stimulation of adenylate cyclase by catecholamines in these membranes. The sites bind β-adrenergic antagonists and agonists with affinities which are directly related to their antagonist or agonist potency on the frog erythrocyte membrane adenylate cyclase. Binding shows strict stereospecificity with (?)-isomers exhibiting two orders of magnitude higher affinities than (+)-isomers. Dissociation constants for potent β-adrenergic antagonists are in the range of 10^?9 – 10^?8M whereas those for β-adrenergic agonists are about two orders of magnitude higher (≥ 10^?6M).     

Alterations in cerebral β-adrenergic receptor-adenylate cyclase system induced by halothane,ketamine and ethanol

The effect of halothane, ketamine and ethanol on β-adrenergic receptor adenylate cyclase system was studied in the brain of rats. An anesthetic concentration of halothane and ketamine added in vitro decreased the stimulatory effect of norepinephrine on cyclic AMP formation in slices from the cerebral cortex. On the other hand, ethanol increased the basal activity of cerebral adenylate cyclase without affecting on the norepinephrine-stimulated activity. The increase of the basal activity induced by ethanol was not antagonized by propranolol, a β-adrenergic antagonist. In the crude synaptosomal (P₂) fraction, these drugs had no significant effect on the basal adenylate cyclase activity, binding of [³H]dihydroalprenolol to β-receptor, and binding of [³H]guanylylimido diphosphate ([³H]Gpp(NH)p) to guanyl nucleotide binding site. In contrast, the adenylate cyclase activity stimulated by Gpp(NH)p or NaF was significantly inhibited by an anesthetic concentration of these drugs. An anesthetic concentration of these drugs increased the membrane fluidity of P₂ fraction monitored by the fluorescence polarization technique. The addition of linoleic acid (more than 500 μM) also induced not only the increase of fluidity, but also the decrease of Gpp(NH)p- or NaF-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the cerebral P₂ fraction. The present results suggest that general anesthetics may interfere with the guanyl nucleotide binding regulatory protein-mediated activation of cerebral adenylate cyclase by disturbing the lipid region of synaptic membrane.     

In vitro characterization of skeletal muscle beta-adrenergic receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase.

[3H]Dihydroalprenolol, a potent beta-adrenergic antagonist, was used to identify the adenylate cyclase-coupled beta-adrenoceptors in isolated membranes of rat skeletal muscle. The receptor sites, as revealed by [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding, were predominantly localized in plasmalemmal fraction. That skeletal muscle fraction may also contain the plasmalemma of other intramuscular cells, especially that of blood vessels. Hence, the [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding observed in that fraction may be due partly to its binding to the plasmalemma of blood vessels. Small but consistent binding was also observed in sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. The level of [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding in different subcellular fractions closely correlated with the level of adenylate cyclase present in those fractions. The binding of [3H]dihydroalprenolol to plasmalemma exhibited saturation kinetics. The binding was rapid, reaching equilibrium within 5 min, and it was readily dissociable. From the kinetics of binding, association (K1) and dissociation (K2) rate constants of 2.21 . 10(7) M-1 . min-1 and 3.21 . 10(-1) min-1, respectively, were obtained. The dissociation constant (Kd) of 15 mM for [3H]dihydroalprenolol obtained from saturation binding data closely agreed with the Kd derived from the ratio of dissociation and association rate constants (K2/K1). Several beta-adrenergic agents known to be active on intact skeletal muscle also competed for [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding sites in isolated plasmalemma with essentially similar selectivity and stereospecificity. Catecholamines competed for [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding sites with a potency of isoproterenol greater than epinephrine greater than norepinephrine. A similar order of potency was noted for catecholamines in the activation of adenylate cyclase. Effects of catecholamines were stereospecific, (-)-isomers being more potent than (+)-isomers. Phenylephrine, an alpha-adrenergic agonist, showed no effect either on [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding or on adenylate cyclase. Known beta-adrenergic antagonists, propranolol and alprenolol, stereospecifically inhibited the [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding and the isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase. The Ki values for the antagonists determined from inhibition of [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding agreed closely with the Ki values obtained from the inhibition of adenylate cyclase. The data suggest that the binding of [3H]dihydroalprenolol in skeletal muscle membranes possess the characteristics of a substance binding to the beta-adrenergic receptor.     

Evidence for Different States of the Dopamine Dl Receptor: Clozapine and Fluperlapine May Preferentially Label an Adenylate Cyclase-Coupled State of the Dl Receptor

Abstract: It has been shown previously that typical neuroleptics have higher affinities for 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-ethylamine (dopamine) Dl receptors as labeled by(R)- (+)- 8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-5-phenyl-1 -N-3-benzazepine-7-ol ([³H]SCH 23390) than for inhibiting dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase. We now report that the atypical neuroleptics, clozapine and fluperlapine, exhibit characteristics opposite to typical neuroleptics, i.e., they have higher affinity for inhibiting dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase than [³H]SCH 23390 binding. A variety of compounds, i.e., clozapine, fluperlapine, and dopamine, were tested for their capacity to affect the rate constants of [³H]SCH 23390 binding; these experiments revealed no effect of any tested compound on on-rate or off-rate of [³H]SCH 23390 binding. Treatment of striatal membranes with phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) caused a rapid decrease in the B_max value of the [³H]SCH 23390 binding with no effect on the K_d value. The adenylate cyclase, both the unstimulated, the dopamine-, fluoride-, and forskolin-stimulated activity, was far less sensitive than [³H]SCH 23390 binding to PLA₂. Treatment of striatal membranes with filipine and (NH₄SO₄ produced, as did PLA₂ treatment, a rapid decline in [³H]SCH 23390 binding. However, opposite to PLA₂ treatment, these agents stimulated the adenylate cyclase. In conclusion, a comparison of the pharmacological characteristics of [³H]SCH 23390 binding and dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase suggests the existence of two different Dl binding sites. The rate experiments exclude the possibility of allosterically coupled sites. Instead our results favor that the Dl receptor exists in different states/conformations, i.e., both adenylate cyclase-coupled and uncoupled, and further, that the atypical neuroleptics clozapine and fluperlapine may have adenylate cyclase-coupled dopamine Dl receptors as target.     

Evidence for two types of β-adrenergic-sensitive adenylate cyclase activities in bovine cerebellum

A latent, as well as an expressed form of adenylate cyclase coupled to β-adrenergic receptors is present in intact crude synaptosomal preparations from bovine cerebellum. The latent adenylate cyclase activity was assayed in Krebs-Ringer buffer by [³H]adenine labeling and was found to be coupled to a β₁-like adrenergic receptor. The externally accessible adenylate cyclase assayed in the same with [³H]ATP was stimulated via β₂-adrenergic receptors.     

Beta-adrenergic receptors in early human placenta characterization of [3H]-dihydroalprenolol binding

The binding characteristics of beta-adrenergic ligand [³H]-dihydroalprenolol (DHA) were determined in particulate membranes of early human placenta (8 – 12 weeks of gestation). [³H]-DHA binding to crude membrane fractions was rapid, reversible, saturable and linearly correlated with the membrane protein concentration. Scatchard analysis of saturation experiments showed a K_D of 2.80 ± 0.9 nM and a density of binding sites of 330.30 ± 93.5 fmol/mg protein. Agonist potency isoproterenol epinephrine norepinephrine indicated that early human placenta contains an adrenergic receptor of beta-2 subtype.     

Alpha and beta adrenergic receptors of canine lung tissue identification and characterization of alpha adrenergic receptors by two different ligands

Adrenergic receptors of canine peripheral lung tissues were measured by direct binding techniques using [³H]dihydroergocryptine ([³H]DHE), [³H]prazosin and [³H]dihydroalprenolol ([³H]DHA). All three ligands bound to canine lung tissue with saturability, stereospecificity and reversibility. Adrenergic agonists competed for binding of [³H]DHE and [³H]prazosin in the order: 1-epinephrine > 1-norepinephrine > d-epinephrine > d-norepinephrine > 1-isoproterenol. Adrenergic antagonists competed for binding of [³H]prazosin in the order: prazosin > phentolamine > yohimbine. Inhibition curves of [³H]DHE by prazosin or yohimbine were biphasic suggesting two subtypes of binding sites. Maximum binding capacities of [³H]DHE ranged from 30.6 to 42.7 fmol/mg protein. [³H]prazosin from 18.3 to 26.9 fmol/mg protein and [³H]DHA from 135.2 to 359.4 fmol/mg protein. When both [³H]DHE and [³H]prazosin were used in the same membrane preparation, specific binding of [³H]DHE was always more than that of [³H]prazosin. Since [³H]prazosin is considered to bind to alpha₁ adrenergic receptors specifically and [³H]DHE is considered to bind alpha₂ adrenergic receptors nonselectively, the difference between the numbers of the specific binding sites of these two ligands should represent alpha₂ adrenergic receptors. Alpha₂ adrenergic receptor density ranged from 9.5 to 21.1 fmol/mg protein. Our results suggest the existence of both alpha₁ and alpha₂ adrenergic receptors in canine peripheral lung tissue. Approximately 40% of alpha adrenergic receptors were alpha₂. The ratio of alpha/beta adrenrgic receptors ranged from 1:3.3 to 1:10.4. The ratio of alpha₁/be ta adrenergic receptors ranged from 1:6.7 to 1:21.1.     

Beta-adrenergic receptor in the brain: comparison of 3H-dihydroalprenolol binding sites and a beta-adrenergic receptor regulating adenylyl cyclase activity in cell free homogenates.

The properties of specific ³H-dihydroalprenolol binding sites resemble the properties of the beta-receptor regulating hormone-sensitive adenylyl cyclase activity in an homogenate of rabbit cerebellum. The rabbit cerebellum has 5 to 6 pmole per gm (wet weight) of high affinity (K_D=1.3 nM) specific binding sites for ³H-dihydroalprenolol. the interaction of several beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists with the specific binding sites is rapid, reversible, and demonstrates stereospecificity which parallels the properties of the beta receptor. Beta-adrenergic agonists show a similar potency as agonists upon adenylyl cyclase activity and as inhibitors of ³H-dihydroalprenolol binding: i.e. l-isoproterenol > l-epinephrine > l-norepinephrine (suggesting a beta₂ adrenergic receptor). The binding affinities of several beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists for the specific binding sites approximate the affinities of these compounds for the stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. Thus, the ³H-dihydroalprenolol binding sites have properties similar to the beta-adrenergic receptor regulating adenylyl cyclase activity in a rabbit cerebellar homogenate.     

[3H]Spiroxatrine labels a serotonin1A-like site in the rat hippocampus

[³H]Spiroxatrine was examined as a potential ligand for the labeling of 5-HT_1A sites in the rat hippocampus. Analysis of the binding of [³H]spiroxatrine in the absence and presence of varying concentrations of three monoamine neurotransmitters revealed that serotonin (5-HT) had high affinity (IC₅₀= 20.7 nM for the [³H]spiroxatrine binding sites, consistent with the labeling of 5-HT₁ sites, while dopamine and norepinephrine had very low affinity (IC₅₀=57600 nM and >10⁻⁴ M respectively). Saturation studies of the binding of [³H]spiroxatrine revealed a single population of sites with a K_d=2.21 nM. Further pharmacologic characterization with the 5-HT_1A ligands 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin, ipsapirone, and WB4101 and the butyrophenone compounds spiperone and haloperidol gave results that were consistent with [³H]spiroxatrine labeling 5-HT_1A sites. This ligand produced stable, reproducible binding with a good ratio of specific to nonspecific binding. The binding of [³H]spiroxatrine was sensitive to GTP, suggesting that this ligand may act as an agonist. This was supported by the finding that spiroxatrine inhibits forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity (a proposed 5-HT_1A receptor model) in the rat hippocampus. Since [³H]spiroxatrine is structurally distinct from other currently available radioligands for the 5-HT_1A site, it should provide new information about the properties of this putative serotonergic receptor.     

Catecholamine binding to the α-adrenergic receptors of hamster adipocytes evidence that guanine nucleotides regulate this binding to the α2-receptor subtype

The binding characteristics of the α-component of (?)-[³H]norepinephrine to hamster adipocyte membranes were studied. Binding was rapid, reaching equilibrium in 20 min at 25°C. Dissociation of specific binding by 10 μM phentolamine suggested dissociation from two different sites. The time course of dissociation induced by a 50-fold dilution was unchanged by the addition of norepinephrine, suggesting the absence of cooperative binding sites. [³H]norepinephrine binding was saturable, yielding curvilinear Scatchard plots. Computer modeling of these data further supported the existence of two classes of binding sites, one with high affinity (_D = 23 nM) but low binding capacity (96 fmol/mg protein) and one with low affinity (K_D = 400 nM) but high binding capacity (1000 fmol/mg protein). Adrenergic ligands of competed with [³H]norepinephrine binding in the following order of potency: (?)-norepinephrine>(?)-epinephrine>>(+)-norepinephrine>(?)-isoproterenol. Displacement by the selective α-adrenergic drugs prazosin, clonidine and yohimbine yielded biphasic curves consistent with binding of [³H]norepinephrine to both α₁- (14–22%) and α₂- (78–86%) receptor subtypes. Although Gpp(NH)p failed to alter the binding of [³H]dihydroergocryptine, it severely reduced the binding affinity of (?)-epinephrine, (?)-norepinephrine and the selective α₂-agonist, clonidine. The inhibitory effects of clonidine and of the α-component of (?)-epinephrine on the adrenocorticotropin-stimulated cyclic AMP production in the intact adipocyte were closely correlated with their effects on the binding of both [³H]norepinephrine and [³H]dihydroergocryptine. Conversely, yohimbine but not prazosin markedly antagonised the α-inhibitory effect of norepinephrine on cyclic AMP production. These data led to concluded that [³H]norepinephrine can be successfully used to study the entire α-adrenergic receptor population of hamster fat cells and that the predominant α₂ -receptor subtype exists in two different affinity states for agonists, the proportions of which are modulated by guanine nucleotides.     

Hormone action at the membrane level VI. Binding of (—)-[3H]dihydroalprenolol and (±)-[3H]isoproterenol to turkey erythrocytes and correlation with adenylate cyclase activity

The binding of (±)-[³H]isoproterenol and (—)-[³H]dihydroalprenolol to intact turkey erythrocytes was studied using a rapid centrifugation technique. The binding of both ligands is rapid, dissociable, stereospecific and inhibited by (—)-propranolol. The total number of isoproterenol binding sites is 2800 sites/ cell. This consists of a low and high affinity site both of which show stereospecific binding. The high affinity isoproterenol site has a K_d of 15.5—19.5 nM and has 600 sites/cell. The low affinity isoproterenol site has a K_d of 195 nM and has 2200 sites/cell. The binding of (—)-[³H]dihydroalprenolol shows one type of site with a K_d of 7.8 nM and has 2500 sites/cell. The agonists epinephrine, norepinephrine, soterenol and p-hydroxyphenylisoproterenol which were tested by competition for binding showed a 6—25-fold greater affinity for the high affinity site determined by (±)-[³H]isoproterenol as compared to the (—)-[³H]dihydroalprenolol binding site. However, the antagonists propranolol, practolol and metrapolol showed similar affinities for the binding sites as determined by competition of binding of either labeled isoproterenol or dihydroalprenolol. These studies indicate that isoproterenol binding can recognize two independent stereospecific β-adrenergic receptors or can recognize two different conformational states of a single receptor. Provisional calculations are made on the turnover number of adenylate cyclase under physiological conditions using intact erythrocytes. The turnover number is 4000 molecules of cyclic AMP/10 min per high affinity receptor.     

Characterization of Muscarinic Receptors: Type M2 (Subtype B) on Neuro-2A Neuroblastoma Cells

Abstract

The binding of the nonselective muscarinic antagonist, [³H]N-methylscopolamine (NMS) to a mouse neuroblastoma cell line (Neuro-2A) and its coupling to the inhibition of adenylate cyclase were characterized. Specific [³H]NMS binding to membrane preparations was rapid, saturable, and of high affinity. Saturation experiments revealed a single class of binding sites for the radioligand. Competition experiments with the muscarinic drugs pirenzepine, AF DX 116, dicyclomine and atropine revealed that the muscarinic receptors present on these cells are predominantly of a single class, subtype B (M2). In addition, agonist binding demonstrated existence of a GTP-sensitive high affinity binding state of the receptors. Coupling of these muscarinic receptors to the adenylate cyclase system was investigated using the muscarinic agonist carbachol which was able to inhibit the prostaglandin (PGE₁)-stimulated activation of adenylate cyclase. The agonist carbachol did not stimulate the formation of IP₃ above basal levels, which indicated that the receptors are not coupled to phosphatidylinositol metabolism. In conclusion, we show that possessing predominantly one subtype of muscarinic receptor, the Neuro-2A cells provide a useful model for the investigation of the heterogeneity of muscarinic receptors and the relationship of subtype to the coupling of different effectors.     

Identification of adenylate cyclase-coupled beta-adrenergic receptors in frog erythrocytes with (minus)-[3-H] alprenolol.

(minus)-Alprenolol, a potent, competitive beta-adrenergic antagonist labeled to high specific activity with tritium (17 Ci per mmol), has been used to identify binding sites in frog erythrocyte membranes having many of the characteristics to be expected of the beta-adrenergic receptors which are linked to adenylate cyclase in these membranes. The chromatographic behavior and biological activity of the labeled and native drug were essentially identical. (minus)-Alprenolol and (minus)-[3-H]alprenolol both competitively antagonize isoproterenol stimulation of frog erythrocyte membrane adenylate cyclase with a KD OF 5 TO 10 NM. (minus)-[3-H]Alprenolol binding to sites in the frog erythrocyte membranes was studied by a centrifugal assay. At 37 degrees, equilibrium binding was established within 5 min and the half-time for dissociation of bound (minus)-[3-H]alprenolol was approximately 30 s. This rapid onset and dissociation of (minus)-[3-H]alprenolol binding was in good agreement with the rapid onset of action of beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists on the frog erythrocyte adenylate cyclase. (minus)-[3-H]Alprenolol binding was saturable. There were 0.25 to 0.35 pmol of (minus)-[3-H]alprenolol binding sites per mg of protein corresponding to 1300 to 1800 binding sites per intact frog erythrocyte. The binding sites showed half-maximal saturation at 5.0 to 10 nM (minus)-[3-H]alprenolol, which is in good agreement with the KD for alprenolol antagonism of isoproterenol stimulation of adenylate cyclase. The (minus)-[3-H]alprenolol binding sites exhibited strict stereospecificity. (minus)-Stereoisomers of beta-adrenergic antagonists or agonists were approximately 2 orders of magnitude more potent than the (+)-stereoisomers in competing for the binding sites. Comparable stereospecificity was apparent when agonists and antagonists were tested for their ability to interact with the adenylate cyclase-coupled beta-adrenergic receptors in the membranes. Potency series of 11 agonists and 13 antagonists for inhibition of binding and interaction with adenylate cyclase were identical and were characteristic of a beta2-adrenergic receptor. A variety of nonphysiologically active compounds containing a catechol moiety as well as several metabolites and cholinergic agents did not inhibit (minus)-[3-H]alprenolol binding or interact significantly as agonists or antagonists with the adenylate cyclase. The (minus)-[3-H]alprenolol binding sites studied appear to be equivalent to the beta-adrenergic receptor binding sites in the frog erythrocyte membranes.