Interactions of pure beta gamma-subunits of G-proteins with purified beta 1-adrenoceptor

The role of the beta gamma-subunits in the interaction of G-proteins was examined with beta 1-adrenoceptors purified from turkey erythrocytes and pure beta gamma-subunits prepared from turkey erythrocytes and bovine brain. On a non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel, the mobility of beta gamma-subunits was increased when incubated with beta 1-adrenoceptor and the beta 1-adrenergic agonist 1-(-)-isoproterenol, whereas on incubation with the antagonist 1-alprenolol the mobility was unchanged. Furthermore, the beta 1-adrenoceptor was retarded on a Sephadex G-50 column equilibrated with beta gamma-subunits and agonist. No retardation occurred in the presence of antagonist. These data suggest a direct interaction of activated beta 1-adrenoceptors with isolated beta gamma-subunits of G-proteins.