Inverse regulation of calcium channels and beta-adrenergic receptors in virus-transformed human embryonal cells.

Monolayer cultures of human embryonal smooth muscle cells (HEC) were used to study the heterologous regulation of membrane beta-adrenergic receptors and Ca2+ channels. The relationships between the activation of membrane bound alpha-1 and beta-adrenergic receptors, the cyclic nucleotide response and Ca2+ channel binding were studied in a cellular model of latent virus infection (Herpes simplex, Type-2) in a human embryonal cell line. In the early stage of infection (72 h), there was a significant increase in the cell cAMP content, followed by a decrease in the binding capacity of the beta-adrenergic ligand with an increased total number of the 1,4-dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel agonist (-)-S-(3H)BAYK 8644 binding sites on the cell membrane of infected cells. The increased numbers of Ca2+ agonist binding sites were accompanied by an increased cAMP content in the cells and an increased membrane ATP-ase activity. Down-regulation of (3H)DHA binding, and an increased capacity of Ca2+ agonist binding were found after prolonged exposure of HEC to isoprenaline (10(-5) mol.l-1). Stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors with phenylephrine (10(-6) mol.l-1) was accompanied with only slight but significant increase in (3H)DHA binding and with a significant reduction in the total number of Ca2+ channel agonist binding sites.     

Interactions of agonists and antagonists with beta-adrenergic receptors on intact L6 muscle cells

A binding assay has been developed to characterize beta-adrenergic receptors on intact L6 muscle cells. The affinity of beta-adrenergic receptors for the radioligand iodohydroxybenzylpindolol (IHYP) was the same in membrane preparations and in intact cells when determined by either equilibrium binding or kinetic analysis. The number of specific IHYP binding sites per cell was approximately the same on intact cells as on membranes. The pharmacological properties of antagonists indicated that the receptors on intact cells were identical to those on membranes. However, the beta-adrenergic receptors on intact cells had a 100-400 fold lower affinity at equilibrium for the agonist isoproterenol than did beta-adrenergic receptors on membranes. This low affinity of the receptor for agonists as measured by inhibition of radioligand binding in intact cells has also been observed in C6 (2) and S49 (3) cells. Our results suggest that beta receptors on intact cells after a 1 minute incubation was similar to the KD value for isoproterenol measured in membranes at equilibrium in the presence of GTP. After 1-2 minutes of exposure to a low concentration of agonist, binding of IHYP was no longer inhibited. These results suggest that agonists rapidly convert the beta receptors on intact cells to a state which has a low affinity for agonists. The affinity of the receptor for antagonists did not change during the incubation.     

The beta-adrenergic receptor-regulated 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel receptor sites in coronary artery smooth muscle.

The cross-regulatory communication from beta-adrenergic receptors to 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) Ca2+ channel agonist and antagonist binding sites and cooperativity between DHP binding sites were studied in microsomal membranes of canine coronary artery (purified to a factor 2.9 for DHPs). The maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) identified in coronary artery microsomal membranes (CAM) with Ca2+ channel agonist (-)-S-(3H)BAY K 8644 was two times higher than Bmax of sites labelled with Ca2+ channel antagonist (+)-(3H)PN 200-110. The exposure of CAM to isoprenaline was accompanied with down-regulation of beta-adrenergic receptors and with increase in binding capacity for DHPs. The increase in Bmax was proportional in both groups of experiments and was related to increased affinity of DHPs. The 1,4-DHP binding sites identified in vascular smooth muscle showed characteristics typical for classification of specific 1,4-DHP receptor on Ca2+ channels. The binding was of high affinity, saturable and reversible, it showed stereoselectivity and it was positively modulated by beta-adrenergic stimulation and its showed cAMP and GTP sensitivity. The results support the hypothesis that beta-receptors also regulate the mode of Ca2+ channels in coronary artery smooth muscle.     

Preparation of hormone-sensitive airway smooth muscle adenylate cyclase from dissociated canine trachealis cells

Conventional homogenizing methods produced membrane preparations of canine trachealis airway smooth muscle which contained adenylate cyclase activity that was stimulated by fluoride but not by isoproterenol. We have devised methods using collagenase digestion of minced trachealis which destroy most of the tough connective tissues but leave dissociated canine trachealis cells in suspension. Gentle homogenization of these cells permitted preparation of a particulate fraction containing adenylate cyclase that was readily stimulated by beta-adrenergic agonist of prostaglandin E2. Isoproterenol stimulation was 2.34 +/- 0.58 (S.E.) times basal and 122 +/- 25% of the stimulation induced by NaF. The beta-adrenergic blocking agent propranolol prevented isoproterenol-induced stimulation of the cyclase but had no effect on prostaglandin E2 stimulation. Catecholamine order of potency was isoproterenol greater than epinephrine greater than norepinephrine. These methods enable demonstration of stimulatory effects of hormones in broken cell preparations of airway smooth muscle that are comparable to those when hormone-stimulated cyclic AMP formation is measured in intact muscle strips.     

Regulation of 1,4-dihydropyridine and beta-adrenergic receptor sites in coronary artery smooth muscle membranes.

The receptor sites for 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) calcium channel ligands were identified and pharmacologically characterized in partially purified canine coronary artery smooth muscle (CSM) membranes (purification factor for 1,4-DHPs 2.8 and 2.2 respectively) using Ca2+ channel agonist (-)-S-[3H]BAYK 8644 and antagonist (+)-[3H]PN 200-110 as radioligands. The beta-adrenergic receptors were identified with (-)-3-[125I]iodocyanopindolol (ICYP). Specific binding of 1,4-DHPs and ICYP to membrane fraction was saturable, reversible and of both high and low affinity. The Kd for 1,4-DHP Ca2+ channel agonist was 0.59 +/- 0.05 and for antagonist 0.35 +/- 0.06 nmol/l and for low affinity binding sites Kd = 9.0 +/- 0.18 and 18.0 +/- 1.1 nmol/l. The high affinity 1,4-DHP binding (Bmax = 265 +/- 21 and 492 +/- 12 fmol/mg protein), showed stereoselectivity, temperature-dependence as well as pharmacological specificity: isoprenaline- and GTP-sensitivity, positive modulation with dilthiazem and negative modulation with verapamil, that is, properties characteristic of 1,4-DHP receptor sites on L-type Ca2+ channels. The low affinity binding sites were characterized as nonselective, temperature independent, dipyridamol-sensitive and represented a nucleoside transporter. The proportion of high affinity binding sites identified in the CSM membranes was 1.85 : 1.0 in favour of the antagonist. Results obtained with [125I]omega Conotoxin GVI A demonstrated that CSM membrane fractions isolated from median layers of coronary artery were devoid of substantial contamination with fragments of neuronal cells.     

Phosphorylation sites on two domains of the beta 2-adrenergic receptor are involved in distinct pathways of receptor desensitization

Continuous exposure of cells to neurotransmitter or hormone agonists often results in a rapid desensitization of the cellular response. For example, pretreatment of Chinese hamster fibroblasts (CHW cells) expressing beta 2-adrenergic receptors (beta 2AR) with low (nanomolar) concentrations of isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic agonist, causes decreases in the sensitivity of the cellular adenylyl cyclase response to the agonist, without changing the maximal responsiveness. In contrast, exposure of CHW cells to high (micromolar) concentrations of isoproterenol results in decreases in both sensitivity and the maximal responsiveness to agonist. To explore the role(s) of receptor phosphorylation in these processes, we expressed in CHW cells three mutant beta 2AR genes encoding receptors lacking putative phosphorylation sites for the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A and/or the cAMP-independent beta 2AR kinase. Using these mutants we found that exposure of cells to low concentrations of agonist appears to preferentially induce phosphorylation at protein kinase A sites. This phosphorylation correlates with the decreased sensitivity to agonist stimulation of the adenylyl cyclase response. At higher agonist concentrations phosphorylation on both the beta 2AR kinase and protein kinase A sites occurs, and only then is the maximal cyclase responsiveness elicited by agonist reduced. We conclude that low or high concentrations of agonist elicit phosphorylation of beta 2AR on distinct domains, with different implications for the functional coupling of the receptors with effector molecules.     

External transport of beta-adrenergic binding sites in ischemic myocardium

The properties of beta-adrenergic receptors were studied in normal and in flow restricted regions of the dog heart. Purified cardiac membrane preparations and papillary muscle preparations were isolated from control and ischemic areas and tested a) following chronic beta-receptor blockade with metipranolol or exaprolol, and b) after acute regional myocardial ischemia. A significant reduction in the sensitivity of the heart muscle preparations from compromised heart for isoprenaline resulting in a reduced affinity of beta-adrenergic receptors to exaprolol was observed. Quantitative ligand binding data showed higher numbers of (3H) dihydroalprenolol/(3H) DHA/binding sites in the membrane fraction obtained from compromised compared to control myocardium. The ratio of intra- to extracellular beta-adrenergic receptors decreased from 1.35 to 0.55 in the membrane fractions obtained from the compromised hearts. Pretreatment of experimental animals with metipranolol or propranolol attenuated the observed increase in the total number of beta-adrenergic receptor sites in myocardial membrane fractions from ischemic hearts. These data suggest preferential distribution of beta-adrenergic binding sites from intracellular to membrane fractions in flow restricted regions of the dog heart after coronary occlusion.     

Beta-adrenergic receptor binding characteristics and responsiveness in cultured Wistar-Kyoto rat arterial smooth muscle cells

The tone of arterial blood vessels is regulated by the catecholamines through their receptors on arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMC). beta 2-adrenergic receptors of ASMC mediate vasodilation through agonist mediated c-AMP production. Previous reports have described these receptors on freshly isolated blood vessels. This study demonstrates the presence of beta 2-adrenergic receptors on cultured rat ASMC and that these receptors are functional. beta-adrenergic receptor binding was measured using [3H]-dihydroalprenolol (DHA) binding to the membrane of cultured ASMC from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. The ASMC beta-adrenergic receptors have a Kd of 0.56 +/- 0.16 nM and a Bmax of 57.2 +/- 21.7 fmol/mg protein. Competition binding studies revealed a much greater affinity of these receptors for epinephrine than norepinephrine, indicating the preponderance of a beta 2-adrenergic receptor subtype. Isoproterenol stimulation of cultured ASMC resulted in a 14 +/- 7 fold increase in intracellular c-AMP content of these cells indicating these receptors are functional. beta-adrenergic receptors of cultured ASMC provide an excellent system in which the association between hypertension and observed beta-adrenergic receptor differences can be further explored.     

Temperature and isoproterenol modulation of beta-adrenergic receptor characteristics

Since agonists and temperature affect receptor affinity, and since these factors may influence the actual determination of receptor affinity, we assessed the in vitro effects of temperature and isoproterenol on the high and low affinity states of beta-adrenergic receptors in rat membrane preparations. There was a temperature-dependent decrease in beta-adrenergic receptor agonist affinity which was further promoted by the presence of isoproterenol. The decrease in receptor agonist affinity was reflected by a decrease in the number of receptors in the high affinity state. These data suggest that receptor desensitization may occur in membrane preparations in vitro and that the present methodology used to assess agonist affinity in vitro may itself alter the very properties being measured.     

Phospholamban phosphorylation in intact ventricles. Phosphorylation of serine 16 and threonine 17 in response to beta-adrenergic stimulation

Phospholamban is the major membrane protein of the heart phosphorylated in response to beta-adrenergic stimulation. In cell-free systems, cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalyzes exclusive phosphorylation of serine 16 of phospholamban, whereas Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase gives exclusive phosphorylation of threonine 17 (Simmerman, H. K. B., Collins, J. H., Theibert, J. L., Wegener, A. D., and Jones, L. R. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 13333-13341). In this work we have localized the sites of phospholamban phosphorylation in intact ventricles treated with the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. Isolation of phosphorylated phospholamban from 32P-perfused guinea pig ventricles, followed by partial acid hydrolysis and phosphoamino acid analysis, revealed phosphorylation of both serine and threonine residues. At steady state after isoproterenol exposure, phospholamban contained approximately equimolar amounts of these two phosphoamino acids. Two major tryptic phosphopeptides containing greater than 90% of the incorporated radioactivity were obtained from phospholamban labeled in intact ventricles. The amino acid sequences of these two tryptic peptides corresponded exactly to residues 14-25 and 15-25 of canine cardiac phospholamban, thus localizing the sites of in situ phosphorylation to serine 16 and threonine 17. Phosphorylation of phospholamban at two sites in heart perfused with isoproterenol was supported by detection of 11 distinct mobility forms of the pentameric protein by use of the Western blotting method, consistent with each phospholamban monomer containing two phosphorylation sites, and with each pentamer containing from 0 to 10 incorporated phosphates. Our results localize the sites of in situ phospholamban phosphorylation to serine 16 and threonine 17 and, furthermore, are consistent with the phosphorylations of these 2 residues being catalyzed by cAMP- and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases, respectively.     

Homologous desensitization of adenylate cyclase is associated with phosphorylation of the beta-adrenergic receptor

We recently demonstrated that heterologous desensitization of adenylate cyclase in turkey erythrocytes is highly correlated with phosphorylation of the beta-adrenergic receptor. In contrast, little is known of the biochemical mechanisms underlying the homologous form of beta-adrenergic receptor desensitization, which is agonist-specific and not cAMP-mediated. Accordingly, the present studies were undertaken to examine if phosphorylation of the beta-adrenergic receptor is also associated with this form of desensitization in a well studied model system, the frog erythrocyte. Preincubation of these cells with the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol leads to a 45% decline in isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity without significant changes in basal, prostaglandin E1-, NaF-, guanyl-5'-yl-imidodiphosphate-, forskolin-, or MnCl2-stimulated enzyme activities. There is also a 48% decline in [125I]iodocyanopindolol membrane binding sites. Conversely, preincubation of the cells with prostaglandin E1 attenuates only the prostaglandin E1-stimulated enzyme activity and does not affect [125I]iodocyanopindolol binding. Phosphorylation of the beta-adrenergic receptor was assessed by preincubating the cells with 32Pi and desensitizing them, and subsequently purifying the receptors by affinity chromatography. Under basal conditions there is about 0.62 mol of phosphate/mol of receptor whereas after desensitization with isoproterenol this increases to 1.9 mol/mol. This isoproterenol-induced receptor phosphorylation exhibits stereospecificity and is blocked by the beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol. In addition, preincubation with prostaglandin E1 does not promote beta-adrenergic receptor phosphorylation. These data suggest that receptor phosphorylation is involved in homologous as well as heterologous forms of desensitization and may provide a unifying mechanism for desensitization of adenylate cyclase-coupled hormone receptors.     

Uptake of L-[propyl-2,3-3H]dihydroalprenolol by intact HeLa cells

This report describes the uptake of L-[propyl-2,3-3H]dihydroalprenolol, a beta-adrenergic antagonist, by HeLa (human adenocarcinoma) cells. [3H]Dihydroalprenolol binds to sites of high capacity and low affinity in intact HeLa cells. The binding achieves equilibrium rapidly and is rapidly reversible. Bound [3H]dihydroalprenolol is displaceable by beta-adrenergic antagonists in a nonstereoselective fashion, but is not displaceable by isoproterenol, an adrenergic agonist. Phentolamine, an alpha-adrenergic antagonist, and chloroquine, a lysosomotropic amine, also compete for [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding sites. [3H]Dihydroalprenolol binding is inhibited by metabolic inhibitors, but not by cytoskeletal blocking agents. The binding is sensitive to extracellular pH (less binding at lower pH) and is temperature-sensitive (less binding at lower temperatures). The bound radioligand is rapidly reversed following hypotonic lysis of the cells. These [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding sites in intact HeLa cells therefore do not have the characteristics expected for beta-adrenergic receptors. Further studies showed that beta-adrenergic receptors could be detected in a HeLa membrane preparation using [125I]iodohydroxybenzylpindolol, and that chloroquine had very low affinity for these receptors. We conclude that [3H]dihydroalprenolol diffuses across the plasma membrane of intact HeLa cells and accumulates in acidic intracellular compartments.     

Demonstration of the phosphorylation of dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels in chick skeletal muscle and the resultant activation of the channels after reconstitution.

We have examined the effects of cAMP elevating agents on the phosphorylation of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels in intact newborn chick skeletal muscle. In situ treatment with the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol resulted in the phosphorylation of the 170-kDa alpha 1 subunit in the intact cells, as evidenced by a marked decrease in the ability of the alpha 1 peptide to serve as a substrate in in vitro back phosphorylation reactions with [gamma-32P]ATP and the purified catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The phosphorylation of the 52-kDa beta subunit was not affected. The effects of isoproterenol were time- and concentration-dependent and were mimicked by other cAMP elevating agents but not by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 or a protein kinase C activator. To test for functional effects of the observed phosphorylation, purified channels were reconstituted into liposomes containing entrapped fluo-3, and depolarization-sensitive and dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ influx was measured. Channels from isoproterenol-treated muscle exhibited an increased rate and extent of Ca2+ influx compared to control preparations. The effects of isoproterenol pretreatment could be mimicked by phosphorylating the channels with cAMP-dependent protein kinase in vitro. These results demonstrate that the alpha 1 subunit of the dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2(+)-channels is the primary target of cAMP-dependent phosphorylation in intact muscle and that the phosphorylation of this protein leads to activation of channel activity.     

High expression of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase in human peripheral blood leukocytes. Isoproterenol and platelet activating factor can induce kinase translocation.

Receptor phosphorylation is a key step in the process of desensitization of the beta-adrenergic and other related receptors. A selective kinase (called beta-adrenergic receptor kinase, beta ARK) has been identified which phosphorylates the agonist-occupied form of the receptor. Recently the bovine beta ARK cDNA has been cloned and the highest levels of specific mRNA were found in highly innervated tissues. It was proposed that beta ARK may be primarily active on synaptic receptors. In the present study, the cDNA of human beta ARK was cloned and sequenced. The sequence was very similar to that of the bovine beta ARK (the overall amino acid homology was 98%). Very high levels of beta ARK mRNA and kinase activity were found in peripheral blood leukocytes and in several myeloid and lymphoid leukemia cell lines. Since agonist-induced beta ARK translocation is considered the first step involved in beta ARK-mediated homologous desensitization, we screened a number of G-protein-coupled receptor agonists for their ability to induce beta ARK translocation. In human mononuclear leukocytes, beta-AR agonist isoproterenol and platelet-activating factor were able to induce translocation of beta ARK from cytosol to membrane. After 20 min of exposure to isoproterenol (10 microM), the cytosolic beta ARK activity decreased to 61% of control, while membrane-associated beta ARK activity increased to 170%. 20-min exposure to platelet-activating factor (1 microM) reduced the cytosolic beta ARK activity to 42% of control with concomitant increase in membrane beta ARK activity to 214% of control. The high levels of beta ARK expression in human peripheral blood leukocytes together with the ability of isoproterenol and platelet-activating factor to induce beta ARK translocation, suggest a role for beta ARK in modulating some receptor-mediated immune functions.     

Biochemical analysis of L-type calcium channels from skeletal and cardiac muscle

The development of specific pharmacological agents that modulate different types of ion channels has prompted an extensive effort to elucidate the molecular structure of these important molecules. The calcium channel blockers that specifically modulate the L-type calcium channel activity have aided in the purification and reconstitution of this channel from skeletal muscle transverse tubules. The L-type calcium channel from skeletal muscle is composed of five subunits designated alpha 1, alpha 2, beta, gamma, and sigma. The alpha 1-subunit is the pore-forming polypeptide and contains the ligand binding and phosphorylation sites through which channel activity can be modulated. The role of the other subunits in channel function remains to be studied. The calcium channel components have also been partially purified from cardiac muscle. The channel consists of at least three subunits that have properties related to the subunits of the calcium channel from skeletal muscle. A core polypeptide that can form a channel and contains ligand binding and phosphorylation sites has been identified in cardiac preparations. Here we summarize recent biochemical and molecular studies describing the structural features of these important ion channels.     

Desensitization of the human beta 1-adrenergic receptor. Involvement of the cyclic AMP-dependent but not a receptor-specific protein kinase.

Human SK-N-MC neurotumor cells express beta 1- but not beta 2-adrenergic receptors. Following exposure of the cells to isoproterenol, there was no reduction in the maximum response of adenylyl cyclase to the agonist but a 3-fold shift to less sensitivity in the concentration response. This desensitization was very rapid and dose dependent; half-maximal effects occurred at 10 nM isoproterenol. A similar shift was observed when membranes from control cells were incubated with ATP and the catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). No shift, however, was observed in intact cells exposed to either dibutyryl cyclic AMP or dopamine, which stimulates adenylyl cyclase in these cells through D1 dopamine receptors. To pursue the role of protein kinases in the desensitization process, cells were made permeable, loaded with a PKA inhibitor or with heparin, an inhibitor of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK), and exposed to isoproterenol. The PKA inhibitor but not heparin blocked the agonist-mediated desensitization. In contrast, desensitized human tumor cells (HeLa and A431), which express beta 2-adrenergic receptors, exhibited both a shift in concentration response and a reduction in maximum response; the former was blocked by the PKA inhibitor and the latter by heparin. Our results indicated that whereas both human beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors are susceptible to PKA, only the beta 2 receptors are susceptible to beta ARK. These differences in desensitization may be due to differences in receptor structure as the human beta 1 receptor has fewer potential phosphorylation sites for beta ARK in the carboxyl terminus than the human beta 2 receptor.     

Beta-adrenergic receptors and stimulatory effects of (-) isoproterenol on testosterone production in fetal mouse Leydig cells

Beta-adrenergic receptors were characterized in freshly excised fetal mouse testis using the radioiodinated antagonist iodocyanopindolol (ICYP). [125I]-CYP bound to a single class of high affinity sites with a KD value of 42.2 +/- 7.0 pM. Adrenergic agonists competed for ICYP binding sites with the following order of potency: (-)isoproterenol greater than (-)epinephrine much greater than (-)norepinephrine which is typical for a beta 2-adrenergic receptor. A selective beta 2-receptor antagonist ICI 118-551 showed an approximately 200 fold higher affinity than the beta 1-selective compound, betaxolol. The beta-adrenergic agonist (-)isoproterenol did not or slightly affect testosterone production by freshly isolated fetal Leydig cells. The ability of fetal Leydig cells to respond to (-)isoproterenol increased during culture. This change in responsiveness was not accompanied either by modification of the number of binding sites or by change in the binding affinity. Taken together these data suggest that i) the stimulatory effect of (-)isoproterenol on testosterone production by cultured fetal Leydig cells is mediated through beta 2-adrenergic receptors ii), the inability of freshly Leydig cells to respond to catecholamines is probably due to post receptor events.     

Heterogeneity of calcium channel agonist binding sites in the coronary artery

The binding properties (3H) BAY k 8644 a 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel agonist were studied in the subcellular membrane fraction isolated from the coronary artery by differential centrifugation. The specific binding of (3H) BAY k 8644 to microsomal membranes of the coronary smooth muscle was rapid, saturable, reversible and of both high and low affinity. The dissociation constants obtained from Scatchard analysis with (3H) BAY k 8644 and nitrendipine were 0.60 +/- 0.02 nmol.l-1 and 9.1 +/- 0.1 nmol.l-1 for the high and low affinity binding site respectively and the estimated maximal numbers of binding sites in the plasma membrane fraction were 0.76 +/- 0.02 and 3.15 +/- 0.18 pmol.mg-1 of protein respectively. The substituted dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists nitrendipine and nifedipine competitively inhibited specific (3H)BAY k 8644 binding suggesting a common high affinity 1,4-dihydropyridine binding site in the coronary microsomal fraction for calcium channel activator and antagonists. The low affinity agonist binding sites were significantly inhibited by adding nucleoside carrier inhibitors, 2-deoxyadenosine and dipyridamole, and by -SH alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide. The results suggests that the coronary artery contains both high and low affinity calcium channel binding sites (in a 1:5 ratio) with the low affinity calcium channel agonist binding sites being associated with nucleoside carrier and/or with-SH groups.     

Agonist interactions at hepatic alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic receptors: affinity-state regulation by guanine nucleotides and temperature

We investigated the binding characteristics of agonists to alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic receptors of intact liver cells, broken rat liver cell membranes, and detergent-solubilized preparations under varying experimental conditions, focusing on the different "states" of the receptor for agonists and the regulation of these states by temperature and guanine nucleotides. While only low-affinity binding of agonists to both receptor subtypes was evident in studies performed at 37 degrees C with solubilized preparations, biphasic competition curves for agonists were observed in both intact cells and membrane preparations; the majority of sites were of low affinity. In membrane preparations, the nonhydrolyzable GTP analogue Gpp(NH)p caused a rightward shift of agonist competition curves and a loss of high-affinity binding. These results are consistent with the involvement of guanine nucleotide binding proteins in both alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic transduction pathways. When competition studies were performed at 4 degrees C, receptor sites existed predominantly in the high-affinity configuration, in intact cells and membranes, as well as in soluble preparations. In contrast to the studies conducted at 37 degrees C, no Gpp(NH)p-induced conversion to the lower affinity state could be demonstrated in studies performed with membrane preparations at 4 degrees C. Thus, the high-affinity state of alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic receptors is stabilized at 4 degrees C in intact cells, membranes, and soluble preparations. After incubations had been performed at 37 degrees C, high-affinity binding of agonists could not be restored by subsequent incubation at 4 degrees C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)