Characterization of insulin receptor subunits in brain and other tissues by photoaffinity labeling

Specific insulin receptor proteins of plasma membrane preparations from various tissues of the rat were identified using a photoreactive insulin derivative, N^εB29-mono(azidobenzoyl)insulin. Except for the brain, all tissues examined showed the specific photolabeling of two proteins of M_r～130K and ～90K. In brain tissue, only one protein, M_r～115K, was specifically labeled. Liver and adipocyte membranes of the genetic obese ($\text{ob}\text{ob}$) mice showed decreased labeling of both 130K and 90K proteins when compared to those of lean littermates. Labeling of these proteins in liver plasma membranes was abolished by trypsin, whereas neuraminidase increased their electrophoretic mobility in SDS-polyacrylamide gel. The labeling of these two proteins was inhibited by a human anti-receptor serum which also formed an immunocomplex with both proteins. The labeling of the 115K protein in brain tissue was, however, not affected by the antiserum.     

Cross-linking of beta-bungarotoxin to chick brain membranes. Identification of subunits of a putative voltage-gated K+ channel

beta-Bungarotoxin (beta-Butx), a presynaptically active neurotoxin from snake venom, is thought to bind to a subtype of voltage-gated K+ channels. 125I-beta-Butx was cross-linked to its high-affinity binding site in membrane fractions from chick brain by using the bivalent reagents 1-ethyl-3-[3-(dimethyl-amino)propyl]carbodiimide and sulfosuccinimidyl 6-[(4-azido-2-nitrophenyl)amino]hexanoate. Two major adducts of apparent Mr 90,000-95,000 and 46,000-49,000 were obtained with both cross-linkers. Formation of both adducts was inhibited by the K+ channel ligands dendrotoxin I and mast cell degranulating peptide. Our data indicate that the putative beta-Butx-sensitive neuronal K+ channel contains at least two different types of subunits of about 75 and 28 kDa.     

Developmental analysis reveals mismatches in the expression of K+ channel alpha subunits and voltage-gated K+ channel currents in rat ventricular myocytes

In the experiments here, the developmental expression of the functional Ca(2+)-independent, depolarization-activated K+ channel currents, Ito and IK, and of the voltage-gated K+ channel (Kv) alpha subunits, Kv1.2, Kv1.4, Kv1.5, Kv2.1, and Kv4.2 in rat ventricular myocytes were examined quantitatively. Using the whole-cell patch clamp recording method, the properties and the densities of Ito and IK in ventricular myocytes isolated from postnatal day 5 (P5), 10 (P10), 15 (P15), 20 (P20), 25 (P25), 30 (P30), and adult (8-12 wk) rats were characterized and compared. These experiments revealed that mean Ito densities increase fourfold between birth and P30, whereas IK densities vary only slightly. Neither the time- nor the voltage-dependent properties of the currents vary measurably, suggesting that the subunits underlying functional Ito and IK channels are the same throughout postnatal development. In parallel experiments, the developmental expression of each of the voltage-gated K+ channel alpha subunits, Kv1.2, Kv1.4, Kv1.5, Kv2.1, and Kv4.2, was examined quantitatively at the mRNA and protein levels using subunit-specific probes. RNase protection assays revealed that Kv1.4 message levels are high at birth, increase between P0 and P10, and subsequently decrease to very low levels in adult rat ventricles. The decrease in message is accompanied by a marked reduction in Kv1.4 protein, consistent with our previous suggestion that Kv1.4 does not contribute to the formation of functional K+ channels in adult rat ventricular myocytes. In contrast to Kv1.4, the mRNA levels of Kv1.2, Kv1.5, Kv2.1, and Kv4.2 increase (three- to five- fold) between birth and adult. Western analyses, however, revealed that the expression patterns of these subunits proteins vary in distinct ways: Kv1.2 and Kv4.2, for example, increase between P5 and adult, whereas Kv1.5 remains constant and Kv2.1 decreases. Throughout development, therefore, there is a mismatch between the numbers of Kv alpha subunits expressed and the functional voltage-gated K+ channel currents distinguished electrophysiologically in rat ventricular myocytes. Alternative experimental approaches will be required to define directly the Kv alpha subunits that underlie functional voltage- gated K+ channels in these (and other) cells. In addition, the finding that Kv alpha subunit protein expression levels do not necessarily mirror mRNA levels suggests that caution should be exercised in attempting functional interpretations of observed changes in mRNA levels alone.     

Voltage-dependent K+ channel beta subunits in muscle: differential regulation during postnatal development and myogenesis

Voltage-dependent potassium channels contribute to the electrical properties of nerve and muscle by affecting action potential shape and duration. The complexity of the currents generated is further enhanced by the presence of accessory beta subunits. Here we report that while all Kvbeta mRNA isoforms are present in rat brain, muscle tissues express only Kvbeta1 (Kvbeta1.1-Kvbeta1.3) and Kvbeta2, but not Kvbeta3. Kvbeta subunits were close regulated through post-natal development in brain and striated muscle, as well as during myogenesis in the rat skeletal muscle cell line L6E9. While the alternatively spliced Kvbeta mRNA products from Kvbeta1 gene were differentially expressed, Kvbeta2.1 was associated with myogenesis. These results show that Kvbeta genes are strongly regulated in muscle and suggest a physiological role for voltage-gated K(+) channels during development and myotube formation.     

Direct photoaffinity labeling of the putative sulfonylurea receptor in rat beta-cell tumor membranes by [3H]glibenclamide

The oral antidiabetic sulfonylurea [3H]glibenclamide specifically binds to plasma membranes from a rat beta-cell tumor indicating a receptor for sulfonylureas in these membranes. Irradiation of [3H]glibenclamide at 254 or 300 nm in the presence of albumin resulted in covalent labeling of the albumin molecule. Direct photoaffinity labeling of beta-cell membranes with [3H]glibenclamide resulted in the covalent modification of two membrane polypeptides with apparent molecular masses 140 and 33 kDa. The extent of labeling of the 140 kDa polypeptide was specifically decreased by sulfonylureas. This suggests that a membrane polypeptide of 140 kDa is a component of the sulfonylurea receptor in the beta-cell membrane.     

Molecular size of histamine H-1 receptor determined by target size analysis

Target size analysis (radiation inactivation) was used to study the molecular size of the histamine H-1 receptor of bovine and human cerebral cortex in the intact membrane-bound state. The H-1 receptor in bovine and human cerebral cortex was found to exist in the membrane as a homogeneous population of the same size (160,000 daltons) in each case. Thus no evidence for the existence of multiple forms of the receptor has been found.     

Molecular properties of neurotensin receptors in rat brain. Identification of subunits by covalent labeling

Neurotensin binding sites in rat brain synaptic membranes were specifically and covalently labeled by two methods. In the first, a photoreactive and highly radioactive analogue of neurotensin, 125I-labeled azidobenzoyl[Trp11]neurotensin, was synthesized and used to photoaffinity label neurotensin receptors. In the second, the reversible association between neurotensin receptors and 125I-labeled[Trp11]neurotensin, a radioactive but nonphotoreactive analogue of neurotensin, was made irreversible by means of disuccinimidyl suberate, a bifunctional cross-linking reagent. Analysis of synaptic membranes by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography revealed that using both methods the same two protein bands with apparent molecular weights of 49,000 and 51,000 were specifically labeled. Identical results were obtained with or without reduction of the photolabeled membranes by beta-mercaptoethanol before electrophoresis. Variation of the ligand concentration did not modify the relative labeling intensities of the two bands, indicating that the high- and low-affinity neurotensin binding sites previously detected in rat brain synaptic membranes have similar molecular structures. These results indicate that neurotensin receptors in rat brain may be composed of two different protein subunits with similar molecular weight of about 50,000, that are linked together by noncovalent bonds.     

Voltage sensor mutations differentially target misfolded K+ channel subunits to proteasomal and non-proteasomal disposal pathways

In Shaker K(+) channels, formation of an electrostatic interaction between two charged residues, D316 and K374 in transmembrane segments S3 and S4, respectively, is a key step in voltage sensor biogenesis. Mutations D316K and K374E disrupt formation of the voltage sensor and lead to endoplasmic reticulum retention. We have now investigated the fates of these misfolded proteins. Both are significantly less stable than the wild-type protein. D316K is degraded by cytoplasmic proteasomes, whereas K374E is degraded by a lactacystin-insensitive, non-proteasomal pathway. Our results suggest that the D316K and K374E proteins are misfolded in recognizably different ways, an observation with implications for voltage sensor biogenesis.     

Properties of the apamin-sensitive Ca2+-activated K+ channel in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells which hyper-produce the apamin receptor

Undifferentiated PC12 cell produce high levels of apamin receptors (measured with 125I-apamin) after 7 days in culture. These levels are at least 50 times higher than those found in other cellular types which are also known to have apamin receptors and apamin-sensitive Ca2+-activated K+ channels in their membranes. Treatment of undifferentiated PC12 cells with nerve growth factor maintains these cells in a state having a low level (10 times less after 7 days of culture) of apamin receptors. Ca2+ injection into PC12 cells with the calcium ionophore A23187 has been used to monitor the activity of the Ca2+-activated K+ channel following 86Rb+ efflux. A large component of this Ca2+-activated 86Rb+ efflux is inhibited by apamin. Half-maximum inhibition by apamin of both 86Rb+ efflux and 125I-apamin binding was observed at 240 pM apamin. Another component of 86Rb+ efflux is due to another type of Ca2+-activated K+ channel which is resistant to apamin and sensitive to tetraethylammonium. The Ca2+ channel activator Bay K8644 also triggers an apamin-sensitive Ca2+-dependent 86Rb+ efflux. Bay K8644 has been used to analyze the internal Ca2+ concentration dependence of the apamin-sensitive channel activity. Under normal conditions, the internal Ca2+ concentration is 109 +/- 17 nM, and the apamin-sensitive channel is not activated. The channel is fully activated at an internal Ca2+ concentration of 320 +/- 20 nM.     

Estrogen induction of a small, putative K+ channel mRNA in rat uterus

Estrogen causes dramatic long-term changes in the activity of the uterus. Here we report the molecular cloning of a small (700 base) uterine mRNA species capable of inducing a slow K+ current in Xenopus oocytes. The 130 amino acid protein encoded by this mRNA species has a predicted structure that does not resemble that of previously described voltage-dependent channels from mammalian sources. It is, however, similar to structural motifs found in certain prokaryotic ion channels. The induction of this mRNA by estrogen is rapid; this uterine mRNA species is not detectable in uteri from estrogen-deprived rats, but is substantially induced after 3 hr of estrogen treatment. These results support a critical role for regulation of ion channel expression by estrogen in the uterus.     

The purified Ca2+ antagonist receptor from skeletal muscle: subunit structure,photoaffinity labeling and endogenous protein kinase activity

Tritiated analogues of the Ca²⁺ channel blockers such as [³H] PN200-110, [³H] verapamil and [³H] diltiazem have been used to identify and isolate Ca²⁺ antagonist receptors. The Ca²⁺ antagonist binding sites were solubilized from skeletal muscle transverse tubules with the detergent CHAPS and purified by wheat germ lectin column chromatography and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The isolated proteins retained their ability to bind the various classes of Ca²⁺ channel blockers. Polypeptides of 170, 150, 108, 56, and 32 kDa were found to be present in the purified receptor fraction when analysed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under non-reducing conditions. The apparent molecular weight of the 170 kDa polypeptide changed to 145 kDa in the presence of reducing agents, as where the apparent molecular weight of the 150, 108, 56 and 32 kDa peptides remained unchanged. An endogenous protein-kinase present in the original membranes, co-purified with the receptor and stimulated the phosphorylation of the 150 and 56 kDa polypeptides in the isolated fraction.     

The purified Ca2+ antagonist receptor from skeletal muscle: subunit structure, photoaffinity labeling and endogenous protein kinase activity

Tritiated analogues of the Ca2+ channel blockers such as [3H] PN200-110, [3H] verapamil and [3H] diltiazem have been used to identify and isolate Ca2+ antagonist receptors. The Ca2+ antagonist binding sites were solubilized from skeletal muscle transverse tubules with the detergent CHAPS and purified by wheat germ lectin column chromatography and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The isolated proteins retained their ability to bind the various classes of Ca2+ channel blockers. Polypeptides of 170, 150, 108, 56, and 32 kDa were found to be present in the purified receptor fraction when analysed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under non-reducing conditions. The apparent molecular weight of the 170 kDa polypeptide changed to 145 kDa in the presence of reducing agents, as where the apparent molecular weight of the 150, 108, 56 and 32 kDa peptides remained unchanged. An endogenous protein-kinase present in the original membranes, co-purified with the receptor and stimulated the phosphorylation of the 150 and 56 kDa polypeptides in the isolated fraction.     

Binding studies and photoaffinity labeling identify two classes of phencyclidine receptors in rat brain

Binding and photoaffinity labeling experiments were employed in order to differentiate 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl)piperidine (PCP) receptor sites in rat brain. Two classes of PCP receptors were characterized and localized: one class binds [3H]-N-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine [( 3H]TCP) with high affinity (Kd = 10-15 nM) and the other binds the ligand with a relatively low affinity (Kd = 80-100 nM). The two classes of sites have different patterns of distribution. Forebrain regions are characterized by high-affinity sites (hippocampus greater than frontal cortex greater than thalamus greater than olfactory bulb greater than hypothalamus), but some parts (e.g., hippocampus, hypothalamus) contain low-affinity sites as well. In the cerebellum only low-affinity sites were detected. Binding sites for [3H]PCP and for its photolabile analogue [3H]azido-PCP showed a regional distribution similar to that of the [3H]TCP sites. The neuroleptic drug haloperidol did not block binding to either the high- or the low-affinity [3H]TCP sites, whereas Ca2+ inhibited binding to both. Photoaffinity labeling of the PCP receptors with [3H]AZ-PCP indicated that five specifically labeled polypeptides of these receptors (Mr 90,000, 62,000, 49,000, 40,000, and 33,000) are unevenly distributed in the rat brain. Two of the stereoselectively labeled polypeptides (Mr 90,000 and 33,000) appear to be associated with the high- and low-affinity [3H]TCP-binding sites; the density of the Mr 90,000 polypeptide in various brain regions correlates well with the localization of the high-affinity sites, whereas the density of the Mr 33,000 polypeptide correlates best with the distribution of the low-affinity sites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Modulation of the serotonin-activated K+ channel by G protein subunits and nucleotides in rat hippocampal neurons

In hippocampal neurons, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) activates an inwardly rectifying K⁺ current via G protein. We identified the K⁺ channel activated by 5-HT (K_5-HT channel) and studied the effects of G protein subunits and nucleotides on the K⁺ channel kinetics in adult rat hippocampal neurons. In inside-out patches with 10 m 5-HT in the pipette, application of GTP (100 m) to the cytoplasmic side of the membrane activated an inwardly rectifying K⁺ channel with a slope conductance of 36±1 pS (symmetrical 140 mm K⁺) at –60 mV and a mean open time of 1.1±0.1 msec (n=5). Transducin activated the (K_5-HT) channels and this was reversed by -GDP. Whether the K_5-HT channel was activated endogenously (GTP, GTPS) or exogenously (), the presence of 1 mm ATP resulted in a 4-fold increase in channel activity due in large part to the prolongation of the open time duration. These effects of ATP were irreversible and not mimicked by AMPPMP, suggesting that phosphorylation might be involved. However, inhibitors of protein kinases A and C (H-7, staurosporine) and tyrosine kinase (tyrphostin 25) failed to block the effect of ATP. These results show that G activates the G protein-gated K⁺ channel in hippocampal neurons, and that ATP modifies the gating kinetics of the channel, resulting in increased open probability via as yet unknown pathways.     

Fast inactivation of a brain K+ channel composed of Kv1.1 and Kvbeta1.1 subunits modulated by G protein beta gamma subunits

Modulation of A-type voltage-gated K+ channels can produce plastic changes in neuronal signaling. It was shown that the delayed-rectifier Kv1.1 channel can be converted to A-type upon association with Kvbeta1.1 subunits; the conversion is only partial and is modulated by phosphorylation and microfilaments. Here we show that, in Xenopus oocytes, expression of Gbeta1gamma2 subunits concomitantly with the channel (composed of Kv1.1 and Kvbeta1.1 subunits), but not after the channel's expression in the plasma membrane, increases the extent of conversion to A-type. Conversely, scavenging endogenous Gbetagamma by co-expression of the C-terminal fragment of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase reduces the extent of conversion to A-type. The effect of Gbetagamma co-expression is occluded by treatment with dihydrocytochalasin B, a microfilament-disrupting agent shown previously by us to enhance the extent of conversion to A-type, and by overexpression of Kvbeta1.1. Gbeta1gamma2 subunits interact directly with GST fusion fragments of Kv1.1 and Kvbeta1.1. Co-expression of Gbeta1gamma2 causes co-immunoprecipitation with Kv1.1 of more Kvbeta1.1 subunits. Thus, we suggest that Gbeta1gamma2 directly affects the interaction between Kv1.1 and Kvbeta1.1 during channel assembly which, in turn, disrupts the ability of the channel to interact with microfilaments, resulting in an increased extent of A-type conversion.     

Affinity labeling of the galactose/N-acetylgalactosamine-specific receptor of rat hepatocytes: preferential labeling of one of the subunits

The galactose/N-acetylgalactosamine-specific receptor (also known as asialoglycoprotein receptor) of rat hepatocytes consists of three subunits, one of which [43 kilodalton (kDa)] exists in a greater abundance (up to 70% of total protein) over the two minor species (52 and 60 kDa). When the receptor on the hepatocyte membranes was photoaffinity labeled with an 125I-labeled high-affinity reagent [a triantennary glycopeptide containing an aryl azide group on galactosyl residues; Lee, R. T., & Lee, Y. C. (1986) Biochemistry 25, 6835-6841], the labeling occurred mainly (51-80%) on one of the minor bands (52 kDa). Similarly, affinity-bound, N-acetylgalactosamine-modified lactoperoxidase radioiodinated the same 52-kDa band preferentially. In contrast, both the photoaffinity labeling and lactoperoxidase-catalyzed iodination of the purified, detergent-solubilized receptor resulted in a distribution of the label that is comparable to the Coomassie blue staining pattern of the three bands; i.e., the 43-kDa band was the major band labeled. These and other experimental results suggest that the preferential labeling of the minor band and inefficient labeling of the major band on the hepatocyte membrane resulted from a specific topological arrangement of these subunits on the membranes. We postulate that in the native, membrane-bound state of the receptor, the 52-kDa minor band is topologically prominent, while the major (43 kDa) band is partially masked. This partial masking may result from a tight packing of the receptor subunits on the membranes to form a lattice work [Hardy, M. R., Townsend, R. R., Parkhurst, S. M., & Lee, Y. C. (1985) Biochemistry 24, 22-28].     

Differential assembly of inwardly rectifying K+ channel subunits, Kir4.1 and Kir5.1, in brain astrocytes

The inwardly rectifying K+ channel subunit Kir5.1 is expressed abundantly in the brain, but its precise distribution and function are still largely unknown. Because Kir5.1 is co-expressed with Kir4.1 in retinal glial Muller cells, we have compared the biochemical and immunological properties of Kir5.1 and Kir4.1 in the mouse brain. Immunoprecipitation experiments suggested that brain expressed at least two subsets of Kir channels, heteromeric Kir4.1/5.1 and homomeric Kir4.1. Immunolabeling using specific antibodies showed that channels comprising Kir4.1 and Kir5.1 subunits were assembled in a region-specific fashion. Heteromeric Kir4.1/5.1 was identified in the neocortex and in the glomeruli of the olfactory bulb. Homomeric Kir4.1 was confined to the hippocampus and the thalamus. Homomeric Kir5.1 was not identified. Kir4.1/5.1 and Kir4.1 expression appeared to occur only in astrocytes, specifically in the membrane domains facing the pia mater and blood vessels or in the processes surrounding synapses. Both Kir4.1/5.1 and Kir4.1 could be associated with PDZ domain-containing syntrophins, which might be involved in the subcellular targeting of these astrocyte Kir channels. Because heteromeric Kir4.1/5.1 and homomeric Kir4.1 have distinct ion channel properties (Tanemoto, M., Kittaka, N., Inanobe, A., and Kurachi, Y. (2000) J. Physiol. (Lond.) 525, 587-592 and Tucker, S. J., Imbrici, P., Salvatore, L., D'Adamo, M. C., and Pessia, M. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 16404-16407), it is plausible that these channels play differential physiological roles in the K+ -buffering action of brain astrocytes in a region-specific manner.     

The sodium channel from rat brain. Separation and characterization of subunits

Procedures are described for separation of the alpha, beta 1, and beta 2 subunits of the voltage-sensitive sodium channel from rat brain by gel filtration in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) before and after reduction of intersubunit disulfide bonds or by preparative SDS-gel electrophoresis. Partial proteolytic maps of the SDS-denatured subunits indicate that they are nonidentical polypeptides. They are all heavily glycosylated and contain complex carbohydrate chains that bind wheat germ agglutinin. The apparent molecular weights of the separated subunits were estimated by gradient SDS-gel electrophoresis, by Ferguson analysis of migration in SDS gels of fixed acrylamide concentration, or by gel filtration in SDS or guanidine hydrochloride. For the alpha subunit, SDS-gel electrophoresis under various conditions gives an average Mr of 260,000. Gel filtration methods give anomalously low values. Removal of carbohydrate by sequential treatment with neuraminidase and endoglycosidase F results in a sharp protein band with apparent Mr = 220,000, suggesting that 15% of the mass of the native alpha subunit is carbohydrate. Electrophoretic and gel filtration methods yield consistent molecular weight estimates for the beta subunits. The average values are: beta 1, Mr = 36,000, and beta 2, Mr = 33,000. Deglycosylation by treatment with endoglycosidase F, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, or HF yields sharp protein bands with apparent Mr = 23,000 and 21,000 for the beta 1 and beta 2 subunits, respectively, suggesting that 36% of the mass of the native beta 1 and beta 2 subunits is carbohydrate.     

The saxitoxin receptor of the sodium channel from rat brain. Evidence for two nonidentical beta subunits

The saxitoxin receptor of the sodium channel purified from rat bran contains three types of subunits: alpha with Mr approximately 270,000, beta 1 with Mr approximately 39,000, and beta 2 with Mr approximately 37,000. These are the only polypeptides which quantitatively co-migrate with the purified saxitoxin receptor during velocity sedimentation through sucrose gradients. beta 1 and beta 2 are often poorly resolved by gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), but analysis of the effect of beta-mercaptoethanol on the migration is covalently attached to the alpha subunit by disulfide bonds while the beta 1 subunit is not. The alpha and beta subunits of the sodium channel were covalently labeled in situ in synaptosomes using a photoreactive derivative of scorpion toxin. Treatment of SDS-solubilized synaptosomes with beta-mercaptoethanol decreases the apparent molecular weight of the alpha subunit band without change in the amount of 125I-labeled scorpion toxin associated with either the alpha or beta subunit bands. These results indicate that the alpha and beta 1 subunits are labeled by scorpion toxin whereas beta 1 is not and that the beta 2 subunit is covalently attached to alpha by disulfide bonds in situ as well as in purified preparations.     

Alpha-noradrenergic receptor binding in mammalian brain: differential labeling of agonist and antagonist states.

[³H]Clonidine, a α-noradrenergic agonist, and [³H]WB-4101, a benzodioxan derivative α-antagonist, bind with high affinity and selectivity to membranes of rat brain in a fashion indicating that they label postsynaptic α-noradrenergic receptors. Binding for both ligands is saturable with K_D values of 5 nM and 0.6 nM respectively for clonidine and WB-4101. The relative affinities of a series of phenylethylamines for binding sites corresponds well with their relative influences at α-receptors. Binding of both [³H]-ligands is stereoselective with about a 50 fold preference for (-)-norepinephrine. Of a series of ergot alkaloids, only those with known α-receptor activity have high affinities for the binding sites. Binding does not involve pre-synaptic norepinephrine nerve endings, because after an 80% depletion of endogenous norepinephrine by treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine, no decrease can be detected in [³H]clonidine and [³H]WB-4101 binding. α-Agonists have much higher affinities for [³H]clonidine than [³H]WB-4101 sites, while the reverse holds true for α-antagonists. Mixed agonist-antagonist ergots have similar affinities for binding of the two [³H]ligands. These data suggest that [³H]clonidine and [³H]WB-4101 respectively label distinct agonist and antagonist states of the α-receptor.