Comparative Studies of the Binding of Dimeric and Monomeric Enkephalins to Neuroblastoma-Glioma NG108–15 Cells

Binding activity of the enkephalin dimer [D-Ala2, Leu5-NH-CH2-]2 (DPE2) to NG108-15 hybrid cells was compared to that of the monomer [D-Ala2, Leu5]enkephalin amide (DALEA). At 25 degrees C, the values of the apparent affinity constant for DPE2, measured to intact and lysed cells and membranes, was 5.0 (+/- 0.09) X 10(9) M-1 for n = 28 experiments, as compared to 0.9 (+/- 0.08) X 10(9) M-1 (n = 16) for DALEA. At 4 degrees C, the binding affinity of DPE2 decreased by 43% and that of DALEA by 33%. An important difference between the binding of DPE2 and DALEA was that, after necessary corrections for difference in maximal "bindability" of the respective tritiated enkephalins, the molar binding capacity for DALEA was twofold higher than for DPE2, although mutual cross-displacement studies indicated that binding occurred to one class of noninteracting homogeneous receptors. The binding capacity for intact and lysed cells and membranes was 20 (+/- 2) X 10(-11) M for DPE2 and 43 (+/- 2) X 10(-11) M for DALEA. The enkephalin monomers [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE) and [D-Ala2, Met5]enkephalin amide (DAMEA) showed binding characteristics similar to those of DALEA.     

Elucidation and Characteristics of Non-opioid β-Endorphin Receptors in Rat Adrenal Cortex

beta-Endorphin-like decapeptide immunorphin (SLTCLVKGFY), a selective agonist of non-opioid beta-endorphin receptor, was labeled with tritium to specific activity of 24 Ci/mmol. It was used for the detection and characterization of non-opioid beta-endorphin receptors on rat adrenal cortex membranes (Kd1 = 39.6 +/- 2.0 nM, Bmax1 = 40.7 +/- 2.3 pmol/mg protein; Kd2 = 0.25 +/- 0.01 micro M, Bmax2 = 187.8 +/- 9.4 pmol/mg protein). beta-Endorphin was found to inhibit the [3H]immunorphin specific binding to membranes (Ki = 70.0 +/- 9.2 nM); naloxone, [Met5]enkephalin, and alpha- and gamma-endorphins tested in parallel were inactive. Immunorphin at concentrations of 10(-9)-10(-6) M was found to inhibit the adenylate cyclase activity in adrenocortical membranes, while intramuscular injection of immunorphin at doses of 10-100 micro g/kg was found to reduce the secretion of 11-oxycorticosteroids from the adrenals to the bloodstream.     

The formylpeptide chemotactic receptor on rabbit peritoneal neutrophils. I. Evidence for two binding sites with different affinities

F Met-Leu-[3H]Phe and f Nle-Leu-[3H]Phe binding to rabbit peritoneal neutrophils and purified membranes were measured at 4 degrees C silicone oil centrifugation assays, and the results were analyzed by the LIGAND computer program, which permits analysis of ligand binding to multiple classes of binding sites. LIGAND analysis of peptide binding to intact neutrophil indicated that both f Met-Leu-[3H]Phe and f Nle-Leu-[3H]Phe detected two population of binding sites. The apparent Kd values for f Met-Leu-[3H]Phe binding were 1.6 +/- 1.0 X 10(-9) M and 2.2 +/- 0.9 X 10(-8) M, respectively, and 3.1 +/- 0.2 X 10(-9) M and 1.2 +/- 0.6 X 10(-7) M for f Nle-Leu-[3H]Phe. Furthermore, the higher affinity sites detected on whole cells comprised approximately 15 to 30% of the total sites. Two populations of binding sites were also detected on purified neutrophil plasma membranes by both radiolabeled chemotactic peptides. LIGAND analysis of peptide binding to purified membranes yielded apparent Kd values of 5.0 +/- 2.5 X 10(-10) M and 4.8 +/- 0.6 X 10(-8) M for f Met-Leu-[3H]Phe binding, and 4.7 +/- 4.2 X 10(-10) M and 3.0 +/- 1.3 X 10(-8) M for f Nle-Leu-[3H]Phe. The percentage of higher affinity sites detected by f Met-Leu-[3H]Phe and f Nle-Leu-[3H]Phe on purified membranes were 1 to 5% of the total sites detected. These data are consistent either with the existence of two independent binding sites for formylpeptides on rabbit neutrophils or receptor negative cooperativity.     

Some properties of prostaglandin E2 receptors in rabbit alveolar bone cell membranes

[3H]prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) binding receptors exist in rabbit alveolar bone cell membranes. The presence of high (Kd = 3.9 X 10(-9) M) and low (Kd = 8.8 X 10(-8) M) affinity binding sites of [3H]PGE2 was demonstrated. The saturation values of [3H]PGE2 for high and low affinity binding sites were 0.13 pmol/mg protein and 1.22 pmol/mg protein, respectively. The digestion of the membranes with pronase, phospholipase C, D and neuraminidase led to a decrease of [3H]PGE2 binding but phospholipase A2 did not.     

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies to the beta-adrenergic antagonist alprenolol as models of the receptor binding site

Antibodies to receptor ligands have been valuable in understanding the nature of receptor-ligand interactions. We have developed four monoclonal antibodies to the beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist alprenolol by immunizing A/J mice with (-)-alprenolol coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin. The antisera from these mice displayed specific [3H]dihydroalprenolol ([3H]DHA) binding that was inhibited by alprenolol, propranolol, and isoproterenol. Somatic cell fusion of spleen cells from the immunized mice to SP2/0 myeloma cells, followed by limited dilution subcloning, resulted in the isolation of four hybridomas (1B7, 5B7, 5D9, and 2G9) demonstrating three different classes of ligand binding characteristics. 1B7 had the highest binding affinity for antagonists based on Scatchard analysis (Kd [125I]- CYP = 1.4 X 10(-10) M; Kd [3H]DHA = 6.5 X 10(-9) M), and was the only antibody to demonstrate agonist-inhibition of [3H]DHA binding. Ki values computed from competitive inhibition curves of [3H]DHA binding to 1B7 resulted in a rank order of potency similar to that of beta-2-adrenergic receptors: (-)-propranolol greater than acebutolol amine greater than isoproterenol greater than (+)-propranolol greater than epinephrine greater than norepinephrine. 5B7 and 5D9 exemplified a second class of antibody. This pair had lower antagonist binding affinities (Kd [3H]DHA = 2 X 10(-8) M and 2.5 X 10(-7) M, respectively) and was stereoselective in binding receptor antagonists: (-)-propranolol greater than (+)-propranolol greater than acebutolol amine. Agonist inhibition of [3H]DHA binding to these antibodies could only be observed at very high concentrations (greater than 10(-4) M agonist), and was not dose-dependent. Finally, the class of anti-alprenolol monoclonal antibodies represented by 2G9 had the lowest antagonist binding affinity of all (IC50 alprenolol = 1 X 10(-5) M), did not demonstrate ligand stereoselectivity, and did not recognize agonists. We propose that antibodies raised against beta-adrenergic receptor ligands demonstrating stereoselective agonist binding will also demonstrate high affinity antagonist binding, and that they will closely parallel the binding characteristics of the receptor. According to this "agonist best-fit hypothesis," anti-idiotypic antibodies raised against the binding site of these idiotypes might contain true mirror images of the beta-adrenergic receptor binding site.     

Selective Protection of Benzomorphan Binding Sites Against Inactivation by N-Ethylmaleimide. Evidence for k-Opioid Receptors in Frog Brain

Selective binding of [3H]bremazocine and [3H]-ethylketocyclazocine to kappa-opioid receptor sites in frog (Rana esculenta) brain membranes is irreversibly inactivated by the sulfhydryl group alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). Pretreatment of the membranes with kappa-selective compounds [ethylketocyclazocine (EKC), dynorphin (1-13), or U-50,488H] but not with [D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]enkephalin (DAGO; mu specific ligand) or [D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]enkephalin (DADLE; delta specific ligand) strongly protects the binding of the radioligands against NEM inactivation. These results provide more evidence for the existence of kappa-opioid receptors in frog brain. The relatively high concentrations of NEM that are needed to decrease the specific binding of [3H]bremazocine together with the observation of an almost complete protection of its binding sites by NaCl suggest that bremazocine may act as an opioid antagonist in frog brain.     

Specific binding of [3H]dihydrokadsurenone to rabbit platelet membranes and its inhibition by the receptor agonists and antagonists of platelet-activating factor

Kadsurenone inhibits specifically and competitively the specific binding of 3H-labeled platelet-activating factor ([3H]PAF) to rabbit platelet membranes. Since the 5-propyl analog of kadsurenone (dihydrokadsurenone) retains roughly the same potency as kadsurenone, [3H]dihydrokadsurenone was therefore synthesized through tritiation of kadsurenone. Specific binding of [3H]dihydrokadsurenone in rabbit platelet membranes is saturable. Scatchard analysis of binding data reveals the presence of a single class of binding sites with an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 16.81 ( +/- 0.57) nM. The total number (Bmax) of detectable binding sites is 2.27 ( +/- 0.09) pmol/mg protein. Both C16- and C18-PAF fully displace the specific binding of (3H]dihydrokadsurenone (5 nM) with an identical ED50 of 3.6 X 10(-9) M. Dihydrokadsurenone and kadsurenone also displace the specific binding with roughly the same potency (ED50 = 4.4 X 10(-8) M). Several other PAF analogs and PAF receptor antagonists tested show relative potencies roughly similar to those found in the [3H]PAF-specific binding assay. Other pharmacological agents with no PAF antagonistic activities did not inhibit the specific binding of [3H]dihydrokadsurenone. These results agree with our previous conclusion that kadsurenone is a specific and competitive receptor antagonist and strongly suggest that PAF and the PAF receptor antagonists tested may interact at a common binding site in the PAF receptor.     

Inactivation of oestrogen receptor in vitro by nuclear dephosphorylation.

1. Nuclei of the calf uterus are endowed with an activity inactivating crude oestrogen-receptor complex. This activity has been partially purified. It shows a very high affinity for the oestrogen-receptor complex (Km = 0.8 X 10(-9) mol of specific [3H]oestradiol-17 beta-binding sites/l) as well as for the oestrogen-free receptor (Km = 1.5 X 10(-9) mol of specific [3H]oestradiol-17 beta binding sites/l). 2. The nuclear receptor-inactivating activity is enhanced by dithiothreitol and inhibited by several phosphatase inhibitors as well as by 4-nitrophenyl phosphate, as well known phosphatase substrate. This inhibition shows that a dephosphorylation process is required for the receptor inactivation. 3. The purified nuclear activity also inactivates pure receptor and phosphatase inhibitors prevent this inactivation. From these observations it appears that receptor inactivation is due to a nuclear phosphatase directly acting on the oestrogen receptor. 4. The nuclear localization of the receptor-inactivating activity, its high affinity for specific oestrogen binding sites and, as previously reported, its presence only in oestrogen target tissues suggest that this activity is the same as that involved in the nuclear loss of the receptor observed in intact cells.     

Binding of monoiodinated neuropeptide Y to hippocampal membranes and human neuroblastoma cell lines

Monoiodinated radioligands of the homologous 36-amino acid peptides, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and peptide YY, were prepared by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography with isocratic elution. [125I-Tyr1]- and [125I-Tyr36]monoiodoNPY bound equally well to a single class of high affinity binding sites on synaptosomal membranes prepared from porcine hippocampus (Kd = 1.0 X 10(-10) M) whereas iodine substitution in Tyr27, for example, partly interfered with the receptor binding. The receptors on the hippocampal membranes did not distinguish between neuropeptide Y and peptide YY either in their monoiodinated or in their unlabeled forms. Six out of twelve human neuroblastoma cell lines had high affinity binding sites for monoiodinated NPY ranging from 2 to 145 X 10(3) sites per cell. The NPY binding to three of the cell lines, SMS-MSN, SMS-KAN, and CHP-234 was of relatively high affinity (Kd = 1.3 to 6.1 X 10(-10) M), and, as in the hippocampal membranes, the long C-terminal fragment, NPY(13-36)peptide was also a relatively potent ligand for these receptors. Two other neuroblastoma cell lines, MC-IXC and CHP-212, expressed NPY receptors characterized by a lower affinity (Kd = 4.8 and 24.6 X 10(-9) M) and negligible cross-reactivity with the C-terminal fragment. It is concluded that monoiodinated radioligands of the tyrosine-rich neuropeptide Y can be prepared and that receptors for these ligands in two apparently different subtypes are found on a series of human neuroblastoma cell lines.     

The metabolism of neuropeptides. Phase separation of synaptic membrane preparations with Triton X-114 reveals the presence of aminopeptidase N.

The property of solutions of Triton X-114 to separate into detergent-rich and detergent-poor phases at 30 degrees C has been exploited to investigate the identities of the aminopeptidases in synaptic membrane preparations from pig striatum. When titrated with an antiserum to aminopeptidase N (EC 3.4.11.2), synaptic membranes solubilized with Triton X-100 revealed that this enzyme apparently comprises no more than 5% of the activity releasing tyrosine from [Leu]enkephalin. When assayed in the presence of puromycin, this proportion increased to 20%. Three integral membrane proteins were fractionated by phase separation in Triton X-114. Aminopeptidase activity, endopeptidase-24.11 and peptidyl dipeptidase A partitioned predominantly into the detergent-rich phase when kidney microvillar membranes were so treated. However, only 5.5% of synaptic membrane aminopeptidase activity partitioned into this phase, although the other peptidases behaved predictably. About half of the aminopeptidase activity in the detergent-rich phase could now be titrated with the antiserum, showing that aminopeptidase N is an integral membrane protein of this preparation. Three aminopeptidase inhibitors were investigated for their ability to discriminate between the different activities revealed by these experiments. Although amastatin was the most potent (IC50 = 5 X 10(-7) M) it failed to discriminate between pure kidney aminopeptidase N, the total activity of solubilized synaptic membranes and that in the Triton X-114-rich phase. Bestatin was slightly more potent for total activity (IC50 = 6.3 X 10(-6) M) than for the other two forms (IC50 = 1.6 X 10(-5) M). Puromycin was a weak inhibitor, but was more selective. The activity of solubilized membranes was more sensitive (IC50 = 1.6 X 10(-5) M) than that of the pure enzyme or the Triton X-114-rich phase (IC50 = 4 X 10(-4) M). We suggest that the puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase activity that predominates in crude synaptic membrane preparations may be a cytosolic contaminant or peripheral membrane protein rather than an integral membrane component. Aminopeptidase N may contribute to the extracellular metabolism of enkephalin and other susceptible neuropeptides in the brain.     

α-Bungarotoxin Binds to Low-Affinity Nicotine Binding Sites in Rat Brain

Reported differences in the pharmacology and distribution of [3H]nicotine and [125I]alpha-bungarotoxin binding sites in mammalian brain suggest that these ligands label separate receptor sites. Affinity purification of an alpha-bungarotoxin binding protein from rat brain failed to copurify the high-affinity nicotine binding site, which remained in the nonbound soluble fraction after the affinity chromatography step. This confirms the independence of these putative receptor sites. Nevertheless, the binding of [125I]alpha-bungarotoxin to P2 membranes was inhibited by (-)-nicotine (Ki = 9 X 10(-6) M), and this sensitivity was preserved after affinity purification. It is proposed that alpha-bungarotoxin binds to a population of low-affinity nicotine binding sites. Comparison of the enantiomers of nicotine in competition studies at both radioligand binding sites revealed an 80-fold preference for the (-) form at the high-affinity [3H]nicotine binding site, whereas the site labelled by [125I]alpha-bungarotoxin displayed little stereoselectivity. In this respect, the brain alpha-bungarotoxin binding site resembles the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo electric organ.     

Probing the opioid receptor complex with (+)-trans-superfit. I. Evidence that [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin interacts with high affinity at the delta cx binding site.

A variety of data support the existence of an opioid receptor complex composed of distinct but interacting mu cx and delta cx binding sites, where "cx" indicates "in the complex." The ability of subantinociceptive doses of [Leu5]enkephalin and [Met5]enkephalin to potentiate and attenuate morphine-induced antinociception, respectively, is thought to be mediated via their binding to the delta cx binding site. [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]Enkephalin also modulates morphine-induced antinociception, but has very low affinity for the delta cx binding site in vitro. In the present study, membranes were depleted of their delta ncx binding sites by pretreatment with the site-directed acylating agent, (3S,4S)-(+)-trans-N-[1-[2-(4-isothiocyanato)phenyl)-ethyl]-3-methy l-4- piperidyl]-N-phenylpropaneamide hydrochloride, which permits selective labeling of the delta cx binding site with [3H][D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin. The major findings of this study are that with this preparation of rat brain membranes: a) there are striking differences between the delta cx and mu binding sites; and b) both [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin and [D-Pen2,L-Pen5]enkephalin exhibit high affinity for the delta cx binding site.     

Binding to opioid receptors of enkephalin derivatives taking alpha-helical conformation and its dimer.

The opioid receptor binding of [Leu]enkephalin derivatives with extended address segment to the C-terminal was studied. The extension peptide is designed to take an amphiphilic helical structure in order to evaluate effects of helical conformation and membrane affinity of enkephalin moiety of the derivatives on receptor binding. In the delta-receptor-selective binding assay, Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu-Lys-Aib-Leu-Aib-OH (1) showed the same affinity as enkephalinamide, whereas in the mu-receptor-selective binding assay, a 7-fold reduction in affinity was observed. On the other hand, Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu-(Lys-Aib-Leu-Aib)2-OH (2) showed 51- and 96-fold decreases in affinities for delta- and mu-receptors, respectively, compared with enkephalinamide. The low receptor affinity of derivative 2 is considered due to alpha-helical conformation, which might not be compatible with topological requirements of delta- and mu-receptors. A dimer, Tyr-Gly-Gly-Leu-Phe-(Lys-Aib-Leu-Aib)2-Lys(X)-Aib-OCH3 (X = Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu-, (4], showed 2.5- and 3.0-fold increases in affinities respectively for delta- and mu-receptors compared with the monovalent derivative 2, possibly due to cross-linking of neighboring receptors. The Hill plot of the binding of the dimer to bovine brain membranes was composed of two phases, although such a heterogeneity of receptors was not observed in the presence of naloxone or in the binding to NG108-15 cell membranes. These findings indicate the presence of the bivalent-ligand-induced interactions between delta- and mu-receptors in bovine brain membranes.     

Binding of [H][D-Ala, MePhe, Gly-ol] Enkephalin, [H][D-Pen, D-Pen]Enkephalin, and [H]U-69,593 to Airway and Pulmonary Tissues of Normal and Sensitized Rats

Bhargava, H. N., V. M. Villar, J. Cortijo and E. J. Morcillo. Binding of [³H][D-Ala², MePhe⁴, Gly-ol⁵]enkephalin, [³H][D-Pen², D-Pen⁵]enkephalin, and [³H]U-69,593 to airway and pulmonary tissues of normal and sensitized rats. Peptides 18(10) 1603–1608, 1997.—The role of endogenous opioid peptides in the regulation of bronchomotor tone, as well as in the pathophysiology of asthma is uncertain. We have studied the binding of highly selective [³H]labeled ligands of μ-([D-Ala², MePhe⁴, Gly-ol⁵]enkephalin; DAMGO), δ ([D-Pen², D-Pen⁵]enkephalin; DPDPE), and κ-(U-69,593) opioid receptors to membranes of trachea, main bronchus, lung parenchyma and pulmonary artery obtained from normal (unsensitized) and actively IgE-sensitized rats acutely challenged with the specific antigen. [³H]DAMGO, [³H]DPDPE and [³H]U-69,593 bound to membranes of normal and sensitized tissues at a saturable, single high-affinity site. The rank order of receptor densities in normal tissues was δ- ≥ κ- ≥ μ-, with lung parenchyma exhibiting the greatest binding capacity for δ- and μ- receptors compared to the other regions examined. The K_d values showed small differences between ligands and regions tested. The μ- and δ-opioid receptor densities were decreased in sensitized main bronchus and lung parenchyma, respectively, compared to normal tissues. By contrast, κ-opioid receptor density was augmented in sensitized lung parenchyma but an increase in K_d values was also observed. These differential changes in the density and affinity of opioid receptor types may be related to alterations in endogenous opioid peptides during the process of sensitization.     

Interaction of leucine with the plasma membranes of catfish taste buds

The binding of L-[3H]leucine by the plasma membranes from the catfish Ictalurus nebulosus taste organ was studied. The two types of specific binding centers for amino acid with high (KD = 2,5 X 10(-10) M) and low (KD = 1,04 X 10(-9) M) affinities were found. Concentrations of high and low affinity centers were 11,85 nmol/mg and 26 nmol/mg respectively. The structural rearrangement of the surface layer of the chemoreceptor membrane was revealed by spin label technique using 5-doxylstearic acid at leucine concentrations 10(-4)-10(-9) M.     

Morphine and Enkephalins Potently Inhibit [3H]Noradrenaline Release from Rat Brain Cortex Synaptosomes: Further Evidence for a Presynaptic Localization of μ-Opioid Receptors

Synaptosomes prepared from rat cerebral cortex and labeled with [3H]noradrenaline (NA) were superfused with calcium-free Krebs-Ringer-bicarbonate medium and exposed to 10 mM K+ plus 0.1 mM Ca2+ so that [3H]NA release was induced. 6,7-Dihydroxy-N,N-dimethyl-2-aminotetralin (TL-99) strongly inhibited synaptosomal K+-induced [3H]NA release (EC50 = 5-10 nM) by activating alpha 2-adrenoceptors. Release was also inhibited (maximally by 40-50%) by morphine (EC50 = 5-10 nM), [Leu5]enkephalin (EC50 = approximately 300 nM), [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE), and Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-(NMe)Phe-Gly-ol (DAGO) (EC50 values = approximately 30 nM). In contrast to the mu-selective opioid receptor agonists morphine and DAGO, the highly delta-selective agonist [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin (1 microM) did not affect [3H]-NA release. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of DADLE, an agonist with affinity for both delta- and mu-opioid receptors, was antagonized by low concentrations of naloxone. The findings strongly support the view that, like alpha 2-adrenoceptors, mu-opioid receptors mediating inhibition of NA release in the rat cerebral cortex are localized on noradrenergic nerve terminals.     

CI-906 and CI-907: new orally active nonsulfhydryl angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

CI-906, [3S-[2[R*(R*)]], 3R*]-2-[2-[[1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylpropyl]-amino]-1-oxopropyl] 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-isoquinolinecarboxylic acid, monohydrochloride, and CI-907, [2S-[1[R*(R*)]], 2 alpha, 3a beta, 7a 7a beta]-1-[2-[[1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylpropyl]amino] 1-oxopropyl]octahydro-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid, monohydrochloride, are two new nonsulfhydryl-type angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Monoester (prodrug) and diacid forms produced concentration-related ACE inhibition in guinea pig serum (IC50 for CI-906 = 8.3 X 10(-9) M, diacid = 2.8 X 10(-9) M; CI-907 = 1.0 X 10(-7) M, diacid = 2.6 X 10(-9) M). In isolated rabbit aortic rings and in in vivo rat and dog autonomic studies, both compounds were highly specific in suppressing the contractile or pressor responses to angiotensin I. In two-kidney, one-clip Goldblatt (renin-dependent) hypertensive rats there was a good correlation between the inhibition of vascular converting enzyme and blood pressure lowering and a poor correlation between blood pressure lowering and plasma and brain converting enzyme inhibition. Cardiovascular, pulmonary, and central nervous system performance evaluations showed no side effects or gross toxicity. The preclinical profile shows CI-906 and CI-907 to be specific, potent, orally active ACE inhibitors. They are expected to have therapeutic utility in hypertension and in any other condition where converting enzyme inhibition would be useful.     

1,6-alpha-aminosuberic acid, 3-(p-azidophenylalanine), 8-arginine] vasopressin: a new photoaffinity label for hydroosmotic hormone receptors. Characterization of the ligand and irreversible stimulation of hydroosmotic water flow in toad bladder by photoaffinity labeling

The photoreactive analog of vasopressin [1,6-alpha-aminosuberic acid, 3-(p-azidophenylalanine), 8-arginine] vasopressin [( Asu1,6, Phe (p-N3)3]AVP) has been synthesized. This analog retains a high binding affinity for the vasopressin receptor in plasma membranes from bovine kidney inner medulla (apparent dissociation constant, KD = 8.5 X 10(-9) M). [Asu1,6, Phe (p-N3)3] AVP was found to be biologically active in triggering the characteristic increase in toad bladder permeability to water. Photolysis of the analog in the presence of the toad bladder results in a hydroosmotic response which persists, in spite of repeated washings, for more than 18 h. The irreversible stimulation of the bladder is inhibited when photolysis is carried out in the presence of vasopressin. Our findings indicate that with photoactivation [Asu1,6, Phe(p-N3)3]AVP binds covalently to hormonal receptors and forms an active hormone-receptor complex. This analog, therefore, is a suitable tool for studies of hydroosmotic receptor function and for receptor isolation.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new fluorogenic active-site titrant of serine proteases

The molecule 3',6'-bis(4-guanidinobenzoyloxy)-5-[N'-(4-carboxyphenyl)thioureido[spirop]isobenzofuran-1-(3H),9'-[9H]xanthen]-3-one, abbreviated FDE, was designed and synthesized as a fluorogenic active-site titrant for serine proteases. It is an analogue of p-nitrophenyl p-guanidino-benzoate (NPGB) in which a fluorescein derivative is substituted for p-nitrophenol. FDE and NPGB exhibit similar kinetic characteristics in an active-site titration of trypsin in phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.2. The rate of acylation with FDE is extremely fast (k2 = 1.05 s-1) and the rate of deacylation extremely slow (k3 = 1.66 X 10(-5) s-1). The Ks is 3.06 X 10(-6) M, and the Km(app) is 4.85 X 10(-11) M. With two of the serine proteases involved in fibrinolysis, the rate of acylation with FDE is also fast, K2 = 0.112 s-1 for urokinase and 0.799 s-1 for plasmin, and the rate of deacylation is slow, k3 = 3.64 X 10(-4) s-1 for urokinase and 6.27 X 10(-6) s-1 for plasmin. The solubility limit of FDE in phosphate-buffered saline is 1.3 X 10(-5) M, and the first-order rate constant for spontaneous hydrolysis is 5.1 X 10(-6) s-1. The major difference between FDE and NPGB is the detectability of the product in an active-site titration. p-Nitrophenol can be detected at concentrations no lower than 10(-6) M whereas fluorescein can be detected at concentrations as low as 10(-12) M. Thus, FDE should be useful in quantitatively assaying serine proteases as very low concentrations.     

Interaction of the nicotinic agonist (R,S)-3-pyridyl-1-methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)-azetidine (MPA) with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes expressed in cell lines and rat cortex

The interaction of the nicotinic agonist (R,S)-3-pyridyl-1-methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)-azetidine (MPA) with different nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes was studied in cell lines and rat cortex. MPA showed an affinity (Ki = 1.21 nM) which was higher than anatoxin-a > (−)-nicotine > (+)-[R]nornicotine > (−)-[S]nornicotine > and (+)-nicotine, but lower than cytisine (Ki = 0.46 nM) in competing for (−)-[³H]nicotine binding in M10 cells, which stably express the recombinant ₄β₂ nAChR subtype. A one-binding site model was observed in all competing experiments between (−)-[³H]nicotine binding and each of the agonists studied in M10 cells. MPA showed a 13-fold higher affinity for (−)-[³H]nicotine binding sites compared to the [³H]epibatidine binding sites in rat cortical membranes. In human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, which predominantly express the ₃ nAChR subunit mRNA, MPA displaced [³H]epibatidine binding from a single population of the binding sites with an affinity in the same nM range as that observed MPA in displacing [³H]epibatidine binding in rat cortical membranes. Chronic treatment of M10 cells with MPA significantly up-regulated the number of (−)-[³H]nicotine binding sites in a concentration dependent manner. Thus MPA appears to have higher affinity to 4-subunit containing receptor subtype than ₃-subunit containing receptor subtype of nAChRs. Furthermore MPA binds to ₄β₂ receptor subtype with higher affinity than (−)-nicotine and behaves, opposite to cytisine, as a full agonist in up-regulating the number of nAChRs. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.