Further characterization of [3H]ifenprodil binding in rat brain

The present study was undertaken to characterize [³H]ifenprodil binding in rat brain. [³H]ifenprodil showed saturable, high-affinity binding at 4°C. Specific binding, defined with 10 μM ifenprodil as a competitor, was inhibited biphasically by the s receptor ligands, GBR 12909, 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG), and (+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-propylpiperidine ((+)-3-PPP). At 4°C, 3 μM GBR 12909, which inhibited about 50% of specific binding of [³H]ifenprodil, was used to mask σ receptors. Under these conditions, specific binding of [³H]ifenprodil was inhibited potently by ifenprodil, SL 82.0715, poly(l-arginine), poly(l-lysine), neomycin, ruthenium red, spermine, arcaine and spermidine. In the presence of 3 μM GBR 12909, Zn²⁺ and Mg²⁺ partially inhibited specific binding of [³H]ifenprodil at 4°C. In contrast, in the absence of GBR 12909, at 37°C specific binding of [³H]ifenprodil was partially inhibited by Zn²⁺, but not by Mg²⁺. The anatomical distribution of [³H]ifenprodil binding at 4°C (GBR 12909 included) in rat brain closely paralleled that of [³H]MK-801 (dizocilpine) binding (r = 0.971, P < 0.005). Without GBR 12909, specific [³H]ifenprodil binding at 37°C was inhibited potently by σ ligands. In the presence of 3 μM GBR 12909, [³H]ifenprodil binding at 4°C was highest in synaptosomal and myelin fractions; however, without GBR 12909, [³H]ifenprodil binding at 37°C was highest in microsomal and myelin fractions, consistent with the subcellular distribution of σ receptors. The results suggest that, in the presence of 3 μM GBR 12909, at 4°C, [³H]ifenprodil binds to sites that are sensitive to polyamines and related compounds; and that without GBR 12909, at 37°C, [³H]ifenprodil interacts with σ receptors in rat brain.     

[3H] sertraline binding to rat brain membranes

Tritiated sertraline, a radiolabeled form of a potent and selective inhibitor of serotonin uptake, was found to bind with high affinity to rat whole brain membranes. Characterization studies showed that [³H] sertraline binding occurred at a single site with the following parameters:K _d 0.57 nM,B _max 821 fmol/mg protein,n _h 1.06. This binding was reversible; the dissociation constant calculated from kinetic measurements (K _d 0.81 nM) agreed with that determined by saturation binding experiments. [³H] Sertraline binding in the presence of serotonin, paroxetine, fluoxetine or imipramine suggested competitive inhibition of binding (large increase inK _d with little change inB _max). The rank order of potency of inhibition of [³H] sertraline binding was similar to that of inhibition of serotonin uptake for known uptake inhibitors and the 1-amino-4-phenyltetralin uptake blockers. A marked decrease in ex vivo [³H] sertraline binding in the brain of rats 7 days after treatment withp-chloroamphetamine was consistent with the loss of serotonin uptake sites induced by this agent. The results of our study indicated that [³H] sertraline labels serotonin uptake sites in rat brain.     

Acetylcholinesterase potentiates [3H]fluorowillardiine and [3H]AMPA binding to rat cortical membranes

In addition to its action at cholinergic synapses acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has been proposed to modulate neuronal activity by mechanisms unrelated to the hydrolysis of acetylcholine. We have investigated the effects of AChE on the binding of the specific AMPA receptor agonists (S)-[3H]5-fluorowillardiine ([3H]FW) and [3H]AMPA to rat cortical membranes. Pretreatment of membranes with AChE causes a dose-dependent increase in the binding of both radiolabelled agonists with a maximal increase to approximately 60% above control. This increase is completely blocked by the specific AChE inhibitors propidium, physostigmine, DFP and BW 284C51. AChE pretreatment had no effect on [3H]kainate binding. [3H]FW binding to membranes from young (15-day-old) rats is four orders of magnitude more sensitive to AChE modulation than membranes from adult rats (EC50 values of 4x10(-5) and 0.1 unit/ml, respectively) although the total percentage increase in binding is similar. Furthermore, the AChE-induced potentiation of [3H]FW binding is Ca2+ - and temperature-dependent suggesting an enzymatic action for AChE in this system. Saturation binding experiments with [3H]FW to adult membranes reveal high and low affinity binding sites and demonstrate that the main action of AChE is to increase the Bmax of both sites. These findings suggest that modulation of AMPA receptors could provide a molecular mechanism of action for the previously reported effects of AChE in synapse formation, synaptic plasticity and neurodegeneration.     

Characteristics of [3H]sultopride binding to rat brain

The binding of [3H]sultopride, a benzamide drug, to rat brain was investigated in vitro. Specific [3H]sultopride binding was observed in dopaminergic regions: striatum, nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle, substantia nigra, frontal cortex and anterior pituitary. Specific [3H]sultopride binding to striatum was saturable and had one high affinity binding site with a KD of 5.8 nM and a total density of receptors 25.7 pmol/g. [3H]Sultopride binding was stereoselectively displaced by (-)- and (+)-sultopride. Inhibition studies indicated that all neuroleptic drugs and dopamine were capable of displacing sultopride from its binding sites. A highly significant correlation was observed between IC50 values against [3H]sultopride and those against [3H]spiperone binding. Specific [3H]sultopride binding was highly dependent on the presence of sodium ions. The results suggest that the characteristics of sultopride binding sites seem to be similar to those of the D2-receptor labeled by spiperone and haloperidol. The sultopride binding site was highly dependent on the presence of sodium ions and may thus be characterized as a sodium-dependent D2-receptor.     

3H]dihydroalprenolol binding in the rat brainstem

The binding of [3H]dihydroalprenolol to beta-adrenergic receptors in the rat brainstem was studied. Propranolol inhibited dihydroalprenolol binding to a greater extent than did isoproterenol or epinephrine. Scatchard plots obtained with propranolol were biphasic whereas those obtained with isoproterenol and epinephrine were monophasic. The results indicate that in the brainstem propranolol displaces dihydroalprenolol from sites other than beta-adrenergic receptors. Nonspecific binding of dihydroalprenolol in this tissue therefore cannot be assayed using propranolol but should be measured with isoproterenol or epinephrine.     

3H]clonidine and [3H]yohimbine binding to solubilized alpha 2-adrenoceptors from rat cerebral cortex

Alpha 2-adrenoceptors were solubilized from rat cerebral cortex using the zwitterionic detergent, 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfonate (CHAPS). The CHAPS extract retained binding activity for [3H]clonidine and [3H]yohimbine. Treatment of membranes with 10 mM CHAPS solubilized about 30% of the [3H]clonidine binding sites in the starting membranes. A Scatchard plot of [3H]clonidine binding to the CHAPS extract showed a non-linear curve, indicating the existence of the two distinct binding components. The effects of GTP and cations on alpha 2-agonist and antagonist binding to the CHAPS extract were similar to the effects in membrane preparations. Sepharose CL-4B column chromatography showed the alpha 2-agonist binding complex to be a larger molecule, with a Stokes radius of 85 A, than the alpha 2-antagonist binding complex with a radius of 71 A. These results indicate that the complexes between the alpha 2-adrenoceptors and GTP binding regulatory proteins remain intact throughout the CHAPS solubilization procedure.     

Identification and initial characterization of high-affinity [3H]dextrorphan binding sites in rat brain

We have identified specific high-affinity [3H]dextrorphan binding sites in rat forebrain. [3H]Dextrorphan binds saturably and reversibly to an apparently homogenous class of sites characterized by a Bmax of 2.62 +/- 0.06 pmol/mg protein and KD of 60 +/- 4 nM. Glycine and glutamate independently increase [3H]dextrorphan binding in a concentration-dependent manner. The pharmacological profiles of [3H]dextrorphan binding characterized by equilibrium competition experiments together with these data suggest that [3H]dextrorphan labels a site at or near the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor.     

Characterization of [3H]paroxetine binding to rat cortical membranes

Paroxetine is a selective and potent inhibitor of 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake into serotonergic neurons. The specific binding of [3H]paroxetine to rat cortical membranes at 22 degrees C was examined in this study. Our results indicate the presence of a single saturable high affinity binding component for [3H]paroxetine. Scatchard analysis revealed a Kd of 0.15 +/- 0.01 nM, and a Bmax of 549 +/- 36 fmol/mg protein. The kinetically derived dissociation constant was 0.034 +/- 0.008 nM. [3H]Paroxetine binding was inhibited selectively by 5-HT uptake blockers, and a good correlation was demonstrated between the potency of various drugs to inhibit [3H]paroxetine binding and [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine uptake. Also, lesions performed with the neurotoxin, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine resulted in a 94% decrease in endogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine levels and concomitantly, a 90% reduction in [3H]paroxetine binding when compared to sham controls. These results indicate that the binding site labelled by [3H]paroxetine is associated with the neuronal 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter complex.     

Characterization of [3H]zetidoline binding to rat striatal membranes

The binding of [3H]zetidoline, a novel neuroleptic agent, to rat brain striatal membranes was investigated in-vitro. The optimal binding conditions for [3H]zetidoline differed from those for [3H]spiperone in pH, temperature and time. [3H]Zetidoline has high affinity for striatal dopamine receptors. Its binding is saturable, stereo-specific, has a low non-specific component and is reversible and tissue specific. The Scatchard analysis gave a biphasic curve, indicating that [3H]zetidoline interacts with more than one population of receptor sites (B'max = 67 fmol mg-1 protein, K'd = 0.11 nM; B"max = 500 fmol mg-1 protein, K'd = 2.49 nM). Kinetic analysis of rates of association and dissociation yielded a Kd value in agreement with that measured at equilibrium. Inhibition studies indicated that only dopamine and dopaminergic agents are able to displace [3H]zetidoline from its binding sites, and in a different rank order from that for displacement of [3H]spiperone. (-)-Sulpiride was especially effective in inhibiting [3H]zetidoline specific binding. Furthermore, like that of [3H]benzamides, [3H]zetidoline binding appears to be highly Na+-dependent and Li+ only partially substitutes Na+.     

The binding of [3H]prazosin and [3H]clonidine to rat jejunal epithelial cell membranes

The binding of [3H]prazosin and [3H]clonidine to rat jejunal epithelial cell membranes has been studied. The membrane preparation was enriched in baso-lateral components as determined by Na+, K+ ATPase and alkaline phosphatase activities. The membranes possessed two saturable specific binding sites for [3H]prazosin, a high affinity (Kd 0.17 nM) low capacity (Bmax 27.3 fmole bound per mg protein) and a low affinity (Kd 5.0 nM) high capacity (Bmax 276 fmole bound per mg protein) site. The specificity of both sites was similar and was related to alpha 1-adrenoceptors. [3H]Clonidine bound to the membranes in a saturable fashion (Kd 7.3 nM). The specificity of this site was related to alpha 2-adrenoceptors. The [3H]clonidine binding site was present in the membranes in much lower density (Bmax 22.8 fmole bound per mg protein) suggesting that alpha 1-adrenoceptors predominate in this tissue.     

3H]Batrachotoxinin A 20-alpha-benzoate binding to sodium channels in rat brain: characterization and pharmacological significance

Attempts were made to find whether [3H]batrachotoxinin A 20-alpha-benzoate provides a specific probe for measuring interactions of local anesthetics with the sodium channel complex. [3H]Batrachotoxinin A 20-alpha-benzoate binding, [14C]guanidine and 22Na uptake were investigated in rat brain crude synaptosomal preparations and the potencies of drugs belonging to various chemical and pharmacological classes were compared. The results show that [14C]guanidine uptake seems to be a good model for measuring Na+ fluxes. An allosteric interaction between site 2 and 3 of the Na+ channel is apparent since (i) scorpion venom was able to increase further the guanidine or Na+ stimulation of site 2 toxins to a maximal level and (ii) in the presence of scorpion venom, binding of [3H]BTX-B to site 2 of the Na+ channel was enhanced. A good correlation exists between drug potencies in the binding and uptake experiments. Inhibition by drugs was not restricted to drugs known as local anesthetics. It can be concluded that many drugs seem to interfere with the Na+ channel of rat brain. This may play a role not only in the major effects of local anesthetic drugs but also in the side-effects of drugs from other classes.     

Specific [3H]neurotensin binding to rat spinal cord membranes

The binding of [3H]neurotensin to membranes prepared from rat spinal cord has been studied in vitro. Scatchard analysis of saturation binding data indicated that [3H]neurotensin binds with high affinity (Kd = 6.3 nM) to a single, saturable population of binding sites (Bmax = 12.4 pmol/g tissue). Neurotensin1-13 (IC50 = 5.9 nM) and neurotensin8-13 (IC50 = 3.7 nM) were potent inhibitors of [3H]neurotensin binding whereas neurotensin1-8 was virtually inactive at concentrations up to 10(-5) M. Sodium chloride (150 mM) significantly inhibited binding, while potassium chloride (5 mM), magnesium chloride (10 mM), manganese chloride (1 mM) and GMP-PNP (0.1 mM) were without effect. The characteristics of the binding of [3H]neurotensin obtained in this study are consistent with this ligand binding to a physiologic neurotensin receptor in rat spinal cord membranes.     

Pharmacologic characterization of [3H]dopamine and [3H]spiperone binding in mouse cerebellum

• 1.1. [³H]Dopamine and [³H]spiperone binding to cerebellar homogenates was characterized utilizing dopaminergic agonists, antagonists and non-dopaminergic drugs.
• 2.2. The [³H]DA binding to low affinity binding sites reveals a heterogenous population consisting of dopaminergic as well as serotonergic and noradrenergic sites. However, the high affinity binding of [³H]DA reflects dopaminergic sites, although a small contribution of serotonergic and noradrenergic binding sites cannot be excluded.
• 3.3. [³H]Spiperone also labels a heterogenous population of binding sites which, however, are mainly dopaminergic.